The City of Brownsville is preparing for a significant transformation of Old Highway 77, a two-mile road, that aims to enhance economic development in the area. 

This makeover will involve converting the road from its current rural state to an urban roadway with three lanes and sidewalks on both sides. There will also be large drainage improvements in the area.

The project has been in the planning stages since 2002, and it's set to commence in 2024. 

Doroteo Garcia Jr., the Director of the Engineer and Public Works Department for the City of Brownsville, provided details about the project during a recent event called "Friday with the City," a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Brownsville to keep the community informed about the city's growth and future plans.

Funding for the overhaul of Old Highway 77 is being provided through the Capital Improvements Project. The road has not undergone any significant renovations for the past 12 to 15 years. The construction process for Old Highway 77 will be executed in phases, with an estimated completion time of 18 to 24 months. Alternate routes will be provided for citizens who will be directly affected by the construction.

Garcia also elaborated on the city's criteria for selecting streets for improvements. The city employs 16 cameras that capture digital images of the roads. These images are then analyzed by the department to assess the condition of different roadways and their frequency of use.

 Additionally, the city has invested significant resources in synchronizing traffic lights on major thoroughfares to maintain smooth traffic flow. The next major corridor slated for traffic light synchronization is Price Road.

The makeover of Old Highway 77 represents a substantial step towards urban development and economic growth in the City of Brownsville. The project's multi-million-dollar investment is expected to not only enhance the road's infrastructure but also contribute to the city's continued progress.