Texas Transportation Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” G. Meade III and State Representative Eddie Morales, Jr. Join State, County and City Officials in Loop 480 North $93.7 Million Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc. ,

EAGLE PASS — Sixteen years after construction began on State Loop 480, state, county and city leaders gathered Monday, September 28, 2026 to officially break ground on the final northern segment of a long-awaited transportation project expected to transform commercial traffic movement around Eagle Pass and strengthen the region’s connection to international trade, Loop 480 North.

Epigmenio “Epi” Gonzalez, P.E., Laredo District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation, served as master of ceremonies and welcomed community members, transportation officials and representatives from the State of Texas, Maverick County and the City of Eagle Pass.

Among those attending were State Representative Eddie Morales, Jr., Maverick County Interim County Judge Pablo Garcia, Jr., County Commissioners Olga Ramos and Roberto Ruiz, Eagle Pass Mayor Aaron Valdez, City Councilwoman Jessica Rey Ramon and City Manager Homero Balderas, Eagle Pass Police Chief Amy Gonzalez, along with TxDOT officials and staff, representatives of Hunter Industries, Ltd., the heavy highway and bridge construction contractor that will undertake construction of the project in coordination with TxDOT, law enforcement representatives and community leaders.

The approximately 5.9-mile Loop 480 North project will complete the remaining northern segment of Loop 480 from the U.S. Highway 57 area to U.S. 277 north of Eagle Pass.

The project was awarded earlier this year at a projected construction cost of approximately $93.7 million and is expected to be completed by 2030.

Construction activity is already underway.
The project will include major grade separations and overpasses at U.S. 57, the Union Pacific Railroad and FM 1588, along with entrance and exit ramps connecting intersecting roadways. Approximately 28 acres of additional right of way were required along with significant utility relocation work.

The site of Monday’s groundbreaking, the intersection of U. S. Highway 57 South and Loop 480, will eventually be elevated for an overpass carrying Loop 480 across U.S. 57.

Gonzalez recalled that when he first met with Eagle Pass and Maverick County leaders several years ago, one question repeatedly surfaced — when would TxDOT finally complete Loop 480?

“We all know how important this project is for the community,” Gonzalez said.
Construction on the southern portion of Loop 480 began in June 2010 as a two-lane roadway extending from the Camino Real International Bridge to Loop 480 and Industrial Park Boulevard area toward U.S. Highway 57 South.

Approximately 196 acres of right of way were acquired during that period for future portions of the route.

The northern connection, however, remained unfinished as Eagle Pass continued growing and international commercial traffic increased.

Completion of the loop will establish the missing connection between U.S. Highway 57 South and U.S. Highway 277 North while providing commercial vehicles with a more direct route around populated areas of Eagle Pass and improving access to the international bridge corridor.

The potential benefits include reduced congestion, improved traffic safety, less wear on local streets and more efficient movement of international commerce.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” G. Meade III, an advocate of Texas economic development and international trade, emphasized the connection between transportation infrastructure and economic development, noting that projects such as Loop 480 can improve safety and relieve congestion while providing infrastructure necessary for commerce to move efficiently. Commissioner Meade stated the next project is the expansion of U. S. Highway 57 South into a four lane highway from Eagle Pass to IH-35.

State Representative Eddie Morales Jr. described Monday’s groundbreaking as the result of many years of cooperation among state, county and city leaders.
“What an exciting time to be a resident and a citizen of Eagle Pass and Maverick County,” Morales said.
Morales credited collaboration among local governments, state officials, transportation agencies and community organizations for helping move major infrastructure projects forward.
“One person alone can’t do it,” Morales said.
He also recognized previous generations of Eagle Pass residents, business owners and community leaders whose work contributed preparing the region for its current growth.

Interim Maverick County Judge Pablo Garcia, Jr. welcomed all attendees proclaiming this groundbreaking as “a historic and momentous day for Maverick Countians.”

Mayor Aaron Valdez said completion of Loop 480 will provide benefits extending beyond transportation.
“This infrastructure will bring economic development, will bring quality of life for our residents,” Valdez said.

Valdez thanked Commissioner Meade, the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT, Gonzalez and regional and local partners involved in moving the project forward.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for generations to come,” Valdez said.

The groundbreaking comes as Eagle Pass continues pursuing major transportation investments tied to international trade, including the planned expansion of International Bridge No. 2 and improvements along U.S. 57.

Loop 480 could also eventually play a role in broader efforts to strengthen highway connectivity between Eagle Pass and the Interstate 35 corridor.

For Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Monday marked the beginning of the final phase of a project that started 16 years ago.
During that time, commercial traffic grew, the community expanded and local leaders continued calling for completion of the northern segment.

Following the speeches, state and local officials and project representatives participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Construction of the final northern segment is now underway, with completion expected by 2030.

Once finished, State Loop 480 will provide the long-planned connection between U.S. 57 and U.S. 277 North and become part of the transportation network supporting commercial traffic, international trade and continued growth in Eagle Pass and Maverick County.