A new roadway project kicked off Tuesday in Starr County.

State Loop 195 is a new roadway that’s over 17 miles long and will serve as a US 83 relief route from FM 755 in Rio Grande City to the US 83/Loma Blanca Road intersection in Roma, just north of Roma High School, according to a news release.

In a news release, the Texas Department of Transportation said the $240 million project will be constructed in three phases. 

Phase one will connect FM 755 and FM 3167 in Rio Grande City.

Phase two will connect FM 3167 in Rio Grande City to FM 649 near El Sauz. It’s scheduled to go out for construction bids in late 2026.

The third and final phase will connect FM 649 and the intersection of US 83 and Loma Blanca Road. Construction bids are set to go out in 2028.

“A project of this size of this magnitude will allow opportunities for new business to come in… but it’s also going to allow the cities of Rio Grande and Ecobares to grow to the north,” TxDOT engineer Pedro Alvarez said at the Tuesday construction kickoff event.

The state loop will be a four lane highway with two lanes in each direction. It’s expected to be finished within the next seven years.