PORT ARTHUR — Driving along Texas highways may feel like one large road project after another and for the most part, that’s true — there are more than 9,000 construction projects underway or set to begin soon, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Closer to home is the TxDOT Beaumont District which is comprised of eight counties; Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Liberty, Newton, Chambers, Jasper and Tyler.

TxDOT Beaumont District Engineer Martin Gonzalez spent some time recently at the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Luncheon updating the public on a number of projects including those in Orange County. 

Orange County

Gonzalez said some may not realize there are actually two major projects underway in Orange County, not one.   

One of the projects I-10 Main Lane and Bridge Reconstruction Project which is reconstruction of the main lane and pavement.

The other is the I-10 Widening Project. This consists of widening a section of the highway from four to six lanes. The section is I-10 from the Kansas City railroad tracks near Vidor, east to FM 1442 in Orange County.

“We have a reconstruction project, which, that’s the one that started in 2014, and then we have a widening project. So that one actually started in June of 2020.  It’s difficult sometimes to differentiate because we understand that the project has been going on for a while, and we had a lot of challenges throughout that project.”

COVID, utility line issues, additional work being added and weather events all contributed to the list of challenges, which affected work.

TxDOT is back on track and working with the contractor that’s over both projects because the same contractor won the second project as well.

TxDOT is looking at both projects being completed by the end of 2025.

 Rainbow Bridge

The historic Rainbow Bridge which spans the Neches River and Connects Bridge City to Port Arthur will undergo maintenance to the tune of $11 million.

The bridge was constructed in 1938. Maintenance will require some painting of metal components and repairs of some steel members.

Gonzalez said there will be intelligent, or smart work zones.

The intelligent work zones will warn drivers of any backups so they can seek alternate routes. 

There will be cameras at the location and in the event of a crash they will be able to respond quickly and report to the correct law enforcement agency and first responders. 

The project entails moving all traffic from the Rainbow side to the Veterans Memorial Bridge meaning there will be two lanes in each direction. 

“We’re trying a lot of innovative technologies here that have never been used in the Beaumont district, so we’re very excited about that. And safety is our top priority,” he added.

In the event of an emergency or other reasons there is the ability to make adjustments and open the Rainbow Bridge. 

Officials were waiting on the delivery of all of the materials, some of which are expected in early December. Because of the holidays, TxDOT felt it would be better to start the project in the new year. 

 “So starting January is when we’re planning on switching everybody over to Veterans, because, again, we want to be respectful of the holidays,” he said.

The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026.

Contact info

Motorists can report potholes or issues on TxDOT roadways by calling the maintenance offices. For Orange, call 409-883-3476. 

For road conditions, visit DriveTexas.org

You can also find information on Social media:

Facebook @TxDOTBeaumontTX

X, formerly Twitter @TxDOTBeaumont

Instagram @TxDOTBeaumont

NextDoor at TxDOT NextDoor page