If an evacuation order is issued for Island residents, they only have two ways off the island. Either the Port Aransas Ferry crossing or the JFK Causeway.
But on Tuesday, the Corpus Christi City Council will hear plans for a proposed third evacuation route that would create a corridor linking Park Road 22 and the Crosstown Extension. It could also be a way to deal with traffic congestion.
Extensive growth on the city’s south side, as well as the Island, are two key factors in this proposal. But this plan is in its very early stages.
TXDOT along with the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization will give council members insight on their findings regarding the alternate roadways aimed to alleviate traffic on the island.
The two groups have done several environmental and economic studies about population growth and overcrowding on the south side and the island.
While this long-range project could take years and even decades to get underway, some council members believe a new corridor would be a win-win.
“I think this is a guide or a plan as to what’s going to happen in the future,” Corpus Christi at-large councilman Michael Hunter said. “If we have to, if we need to take the steps to create another Hurricane Evacuation route, this is where we’re leaning, and it’s a pretty good solution.”
No word yet on when work could possibly begin on this project.
A public hearing and first vote will be held on the proposed island corridor. There’s no cost figure yet on this proposed project.
