TxDOT has narrowed the options down to two routes, and is seeking public input.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A long-discussed plan to build a second bridge connecting North Padre Island to the mainland is moving forward, as state and local leaders work to improve traffic flow and strengthen evacuation routes during hurricane season.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Corpus Christi recently released a project update outlining two possible routes for the proposed bridge, both aimed at improving mobility and safety for Coastal Bend residents.

Officials say the project remains in its early stages, with key details — including the number of lanes and overall design — still under development.

“We have to kind of work through and make sure that what we’re presenting is reasonable and it’s meeting all the needs of the project,” said Kimberly Amy, an environmental coordinator with TxDOT.

City leaders say the need for a second access point to the island has been clear for years.

“For a very long time, Padre Island has been in need of a second route on and off,” said Corpus Christi City Council member Kaitlin Paxson, who represents District 4. “TxDOT has narrowed those selections down to two options.”

One option — known as the Green Alternative — would improve the existing JFK Causeway. The other — the Orange Alternative — would create a new route connecting North Padre Island to Highway 286.

Paxson said the new route could play a critical role during emergencies.

“When we’re looking at this as a second road for emergency management, being able to connect directly to major highways to get people further from the shore is a really good choice,” she said.

And while safety is the main focus, officials say the orange route could also play a role in future desalination plans for the area.

“If we do that orange route, the potential of looking at the offshore discharge for the Barney Davis desalination location—and so we could continue to explore that. There may be some avenues to kind of couple those major projects advantageously for this region.”

TxDOT officials emphasized that public input will be a key part of the process moving forward.

“We can’t get too far down the road before we get feedback from people and understand what they think we should be doing,” Amy said.

For many island residents, the project represents more than just convenience.

“This is about safety, mobility, and infrastructure for the whole island — for people to enjoy the quality of life and for people to come and visit,” said Natasha Muse, a longtime island resident and Realtor. “We have a beautiful place, and I think this will only add to our beautiful island.”


Alternatives moving forward

According to TxDOT, two potential routes remain under consideration:

Green Alternative: Enhances the existing JFK CausewayOrange Alternative: Creates a new connection to Highway 286

Both options will continue to be evaluated and refined as the project progresses.

Several previously considered routes have been removed:

Purple Alternative (Yorktown Boulevard): Eliminated due to community input and design challengesBlue and Pink Alternatives: Removed due to potential impacts to the King Ranch


What’s next

Officials say there is currently no timeline or cost estimate for the project, noting that it remains in the early planning phase.

The next step will include public meetings, where residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed routes and provide feedback before decisions are finalized.

Despite the long road ahead, leaders say momentum is building on a project many consider long overdue.