News · Rules & filings
Laredo Road Projects Get $1.5 Billion: I-35, Loop 20, Hwy 359
Laredo road projects: $1.5 billion in federal money over 10 years for I-35, Loop 20 and Highway 359 in Webb County. What it means for truckers.
Questions about how this affects your trucks? Talk to a licensed agent who ran his own authority.
What happened
Laredo road projects are getting a big boost. Rep. Henry Cuellar announced $1.5 billion in federal funding for road work in Webb County. The money is spread over the next 10 years. KGNS reported the news late on Sept. 28, 2026.
Three highways were named: Interstate 35, Highway 359 and Loop 20. These are roads that truckers in Laredo use every day.
Here are the numbers from the report:
- $1.5 billion in federal funding over 10 years.
- 54 new projects set to start within the next four years, worth $1.3 billion.
- 94 construction projects already underway in Webb County, worth more than $1 billion.
Cuellar said the money means more jobs and more money for the local economy.
The report did not list each project. It also did not give start dates or say which lanes will close. We will share those details when the agencies publish them.
What it means for owner-operators
Laredo is one of the busiest freight gateways in the country. A lot of the trucks that cross the border run on I-35 and Loop 20. So work on these roads matters to owner-operators far beyond Webb County.
In the long run, new and better roads can mean smoother trips and less time stuck in traffic. That is good news for your fuel bill and your hours of service.
In the short run, more construction usually means more work zones. Work zones can bring lane closures, lower speed limits and night work. Plan for some extra minutes on your runs through Laredo in the years ahead.
If you run oversize or overweight loads, pay extra attention. Route rules on a permit can change when a road is under construction. Always check your permit route before you roll.
What to do next
- Watch for TxDOT Laredo District notices about lane closures on I-35, Loop 20 and Highway 359.
- Slow down in work zones. A ticket there can hurt your safety record.
- If you haul oversize or overweight, confirm your permitted route is still open before each trip.
- Keep your paperwork current so a stop in a work zone stays short. Our filing guide for owner-operators covers USDOT, MC, BOC-3, UCR, IRP and IFTA.
- New to running your own authority? Read our guide to the new entrant safety audit so you are ready when FMCSA calls.
Need help keeping your permits file in order? Call TCZ Permits at 956-526-6727.