Corpus Christi removing old Harbor Bridge, opening door to new growth
Published 6:45 am Wednesday, October 29, 2025
As one era ends, another one will begin in Corpus Christi as the historic Harbor Bridge removal is finalized.
The demolition of the old bridge comes after the Texas Department of Transportation built the new harbor bridge, completing the $1.3 billion dollar project.
The original bridge has been open since 1959, but TxDOT determined the need for a new one to maintain a safe and efficient transportation corridor. TxDot began the process of lowering the bridge’s main span on Monday, but it has since been delayed due to high winds and weather.
On the Harbor Bridge Project’s website, TxDOT states that a new bridge would allow TxDOT to improve safety, thereby reducing accident rates; provide better opportunities for moving people and goods throughout the region; provide adequate capacity to meet future traffic demand, and provide greater economic development opportunities for the Port of Corpus Christi.
The new bridge will be the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America and tallest structure in South Texas.
“For more than 60 years, the 1959 Harbor Bridge has served as an iconic landmark, connecting the people and places surrounding Corpus Christi. Its role as a key transportation asset has benefited generations of families and contributed significantly to our local economy, becoming an integral part of our community’s identity,” said TxDOT Corpus Christi District Deputy Engineer and Harbor Bridge Project Manager Joseph Briones. “While its removal marks the end of an era, we honor the history and memories it represents as we look forward to the new US 181 Harbor Bridge serving the next generation of Texans.”
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TxDOT expects the new bridge to last 170 years and the elevated height will allow Corpus Christi to bring in larger ships and compete economically with other Gulf Coast deep-water ports. The clearance from the water to the bridge is 205 ft. The previous bridge allowed for just 138 feet of clearance.
The new Harbor Bridge reconstructs portions of US 181, IH 37 and the Crosstown Expressway and features a pedestrian pathway, allowing for people to cross the bridge on foot and bicycle. There are six vehicle travel lanes, three in each direction.
The new bridge fully opened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on July 11. This project was almost 10 years in the making, beginning in June 2016.
TxDOT states that the initial bridge was instrumental in growing Corpus Christi, connecting the city while boosting the economy. The bridge served its purpose and fulfilled its lifespan, but updates were necessary.
The moment is bittersweet for Corpus Christi residents, signaling the end of an era. KIII 3 reported that after the removal of the bridge, the Texas State Aquarium will begin plans to expand.
There is still no official timeline for the final removal of the old bridge from TxDot, as it was supposed to be completed on Tuesday. Monday’s preparations took longer than expected and high winds on Tuesday forced crews to wait to remove the bridge.
The structure weighs six million pounds and will be lowered onto the barge “Prometheus,” and then taken to its final resting place. TxDOT predicts that the entire removal process will take between 38-50 total hours.
The operation is weather dependent, and with Wednesday’s cold front, removal efforts will likely stretch into the weekend.