COMMERCE STREET CORRIDOR REDESIGN
Purpose
The Commerce Street Corridor Redesign project seeks to transform a historically significant, yet deteriorating, 3.43-mile arterial roadway into a safer, more accessible, and sustainable multimodal corridor. Funded through a FY 2022 RAISE Planning Grant, the project will evaluate transportation needs, establish a community-supported vision, and develop a preferred design concept incorporating preliminary engineering to achieve the following objectives:​
-
Enhanced Safety: Redesign hazardous intersections and reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflict points by implementing safety measures such as marked crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, traffic and pedestrian signals, and dedicated bike lanes. These improvements aim to reduce collision rates and create safer conditions for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
-
Multimodal Connectivity: Transform the corridor into a complete street by integrating wider sidewalks, landscaped buffers, dedicated bike lanes, and transit accessibility features. This redesign will promote walking, cycling, and other alternative transportation modes, reducing car dependency and fostering a vibrant urban environment.
-
Improved Drainage and Flood Resiliency: Mitigate recurring flooding and associated disruptions by incorporating innovative green and grey infrastructure. Drainage upgrades will enhance the corridor's capacity to handle stormwater, addressing a critical need in this flood-prone area and aligning with Federal Flood Risk Management Standards.
-
Community Revitalization: Aligning with Harlingen’s Comprehensive Plan, this project will enhance the corridor’s aesthetic appeal, foster redevelopment, and promote economic growth. Streetscape improvements, such as decorative lighting and landscaping, will support the transformation of the corridor into a gateway reflecting the community's aspirations.
By addressing mobility, sustainability, and resiliency challenges, the project will position Commerce Street as a vital, future-ready urban corridor that serves the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors while strengthening its role as a key connector within the region.
​