The underpass at the intersection of South Ware and West Frontage roads in McAllen is illuminated by blue LED lights. Last Tuesday, the Brownsville City Commission discussed potentially placing colored lights under the city’s most congested intersections. The price of installation is estimated to cost $35,000 per intersection. Fatima Gamez Lopez/The Rider Photo
The Brownsville City Commission discussed the installation of colored underpass lighting during a work session held before last Tuesday’s meeting as part of the city’s Quality of Life Pillar.
The cities of Harlingen, Weslaco and McAllen already have such lighting at highway intersections.
While the project is still in its infancy in Brownsville, the city has taken note of what others in the Rio Grande Valley have done to install these lights.
The Texas Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the cities of Harlingen, Weslaco and McAllen, estimated the installation of these LED lights alone costs about $35,000 per intersection.
During the work session, District 3 Commissioner Roy De los Santos requested the maintenance cost of the lights for the other cities as well as the source of funding for the Brownsville project.
Joel Garza, mobility director for the city, said the LED lights have a 10-year life span.
Garza said the multicolored lights will be tailored to change colors depending on the seasons and special events. While other cities in the Valley serve as a good example, the mobility director said moving forward, the city does not want to mimic what others have done and wants to find a way to implement its own flair.
Fatima Gamez Lopez/The Rider Photos
“If we’re going to do something like this, which I think would be great … we need to try to spread it out evenly,” Mayor Trey Mendez said. “I think the most trafficked intersection should be considered first and if there’s a way to even this out throughout districts, I think that would be preferred.”
District 2 Commissioner Jessica Tetreau said she would like Boca Chica Boulevard to be prioritized since it is now part of the Space corridor.
Besides Boca Chica Boulevard, the commissioners also discussed Alton Gloor Boulevard, Sixth Street and FM 802 as priority locations.
Moving forward, the city will further investigate traffic and most culturally rich areas to decide placement options.
“I think it’s a wise investment, because it changes the entire ambiance of the city,” Tetreau said. “It makes it a less scary place. It makes it more fun. So, I’ve been for it and I’m definitely excited that we’re at this point.”
The next Brownsville City Commission meeting will be held 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Brownsville Public Library-Main Branch meeting room.
