Tackling Safety on Cuatro Vientos Corridor

By Bob Austin and Ricardo De La Parra, Contributing Authors

Laredo, Texas, is on the cusp of a major transformation. Fueled by population increases, expanding residential neighborhoods and major civic investments, the city’s transportation infrastructure is under pressure to keep pace. To address immediate safety concerns and long-term travel demand, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) designed a new overpass as part of the State Loop 20 (SL 20) Cuatro Vientos expansion project through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). 

The new $49.5 million overpass at Lomas Del Sur began construction in June 2025 and is the first major step in a multi-phase effort to upgrade SL 20 — commonly known as Cuatro Vientos Boulevard — into a future interstate.

A Critical Corridor in Transition

Cuatro Vientos is more than just a local thoroughfare; it is the only roadway in southeast Laredo that currently allows traffic to flow uninterrupted from South to North Laredo. With Interstate 35 terminating in the city’s downtown area and only U.S. Route 83 serving the city’s southern growth zones, Cuatro Vientos has become an essential artery for commuters, freight and future development. 

The corridor’s significance is expected to grow even further with the planned construction of a fifth international bridge between Rio Bravo and El Cenizo, and a 200-acre sports complex just east of SL 20 between Lomas Del Sur and Sierra Vista.

The Lomas Del Sur Overpass: A Cornerstone for Safety

The Lomas Del Sur Overpass is a safety-first solution. It features two main lane bridges —northbound and southbound — elevated above Lomas Del Sur. The main lanes will contain concrete traffic barriers to separate northbound and southbound traffic and are topped with modular glare screens which are pedestrian-restrictive to prevent jaywalking. 

High-mast and standard roadway illumination systems will significantly improve nighttime visibility. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross SL 20 safely at Lomas Del Sur via a new signalized intersection using shared-use paths located along both sides of the corridor.

This project was driven by community need. Safety was the top priority from the beginning.

Safety-Funded, Safety-Focused

This project is funded in part through TxDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), a federally supported initiative dedicated to reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Texas roadways. The Cuatro Vientos project meets HSIP’s criteria by targeting a high-crash corridor with engineered solutions designed to mitigate risks.

Beyond pedestrian protections, the design features wider lanes, designated shoulders, enhanced signage, high mast illumination and upgraded drainage systems to prevent water buildup that could lead to hydroplaning. LAN’s engineering team also ensured that the curvature, turning radii and elevation clearances all meet federal interstate design criteria — specifically providing 18.5 feet of vertical clearance to accommodate large freight vehicles.

Minimizing Construction Impacts

One of the greatest challenges in constructing critical infrastructure is mitigating impacts to existing traffic. Continuity in traffic flow was prioritized with the  development of a phased construction plan that ensures two lanes will remain open in each direction throughout the project’s duration.

Most of the heavy construction activity — such as building bridge abutments and retaining walls — will occur in the middle between the frontage roads, away from traffic. This allows construction to proceed efficiently and safely, with minimal disruption to commuters and freight operators.

Engineering for the Future

Although the immediate priority is safety, the project has been strategically designed to support the corridor’s future designation as Interstate 2. As such, the Lomas Del Sur Overpass reflects an "interim-to-ultimate" design strategy. The current infrastructure can evolve with minimal entrance/exit ramp adjustments, allowing seamless expansion when the time comes.

SL 20 was designed using interstate design criteria to its ultimate configuration. The interim facility accommodated the traffic and safety needs for the next 20 years, minimizing future throwaway construction. 

The bridge spacing, retaining wall locations and overall geometry were planned to accommodate the future addition of a third lane main lane in each direction. The structural integrity, high mast illumination and utility placements also meet the requirements for future conversion to an interstate highway.

A Regional Vision Comes to Life

The Lomas Del Sur overpass is just the first in a series of improvements along the 7.2-mile Cuatro Vientos corridor. TxDOT has also initiated designs for future overpasses at Sierra Vista, Cielito Lindo and eventually Mangana Hein. Each of these projects will carry forward the safety and capacity principles established at Lomas Del Sur.

Timing could not be more critical. The presidential permit for the fifth international bridge was approved in late 2024, giving stakeholders a five-year window to begin constructing the bridge. This new international crossing is expected to tie to the Cuatro Vientos corridor, funneling significant volumes of freight and passenger vehicles into the region.

Another major development is the Buena Vista Sports Complex, a $45 million, 150-acre recreational facility under construction east of SL 20 and south of Lomas Del Sur. The complex is expected to open its first phase in 2025 and draw large crowds for youth athletics and public events — further increasing the need for safe, efficient traffic solutions.

A Safer, Smarter Design

The Cuatro Vientos project addresses a wide array of safety challenges with targeted, thoughtful engineering. LAN’s design eliminates at-grade crossings, removes unprotected left-turn conflicts and improves visibility and control for drivers and pedestrians alike.

TxDOT is serious about improving safety for the traveling public. 

“This project is needed most importantly to address safety needs,” TxDOT Laredo District Engineer Epigmenio Gonzalez said. “However, through careful planning and engineering, TxDOT and LAN are also developing Cuatro Vientos to handle new subdivisions and international freight, and to be expandable to an interstate highway.”

Equally important are the shared-use paths and sidewalks that ensure safe passage for all users — not just vehicles. With limited pedestrian infrastructure previously in place, the addition of these facilities marks a substantial improvement in multimodal accessibility.

The concrete traffic barriers with modular glare screens can be lifesaving when placed in high-speed, high-traffic environments.

Community and Environmental Considerations

Beyond engineering, the project also considers the surrounding community and environment. Stormwater management was prioritized to prevent flooding and minimize upstream and downstream impacts. Efforts to limit environmental disruption during construction are built into the project’s planning, along with proactive public outreach to keep nearby residents informed.

Developers are also preparing for residential expansion east of Cuatro Vientos, where most of the remaining open land is located. TxDOT’s long-range plans include acquiring additional strips of right-of-way to support this growth.

A Model for Modern Infrastructure

The Cuatro Vientos project is a model of how infrastructure can be both reactive and proactive — solving today’s problems while preparing for tomorrow’s demands. It reflects an alignment between community needs, transportation engineering and regional economic strategy.

The use of interim designs that support future expansion minimizes waste and optimizes public investment. Meanwhile, the project’s clear prioritization of safety — backed by HSIP funding and driven by real-world incidents — demonstrates a values-based approach to public infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

As construction begins, the Lomas Del Sur Overpass will symbolize progress — literal and figurative. Its bridges, paths and lights are more than concrete and steel; they represent a promise to the community: that safety is not optional, that growth will be supported and that every journey matters.

While no road can eliminate all risk, the Cuatro Vientos project goes a long way in reducing it. Through strategic design, phased execution, and a people-first mindset, it sets a high standard for what is possible in transportation infrastructure.

Residents, business owners, freight carriers and schoolchildren will benefit from a corridor that is safer, smarter and ready for the future. 

Bob Austin, PE, is a Vice President and Senior Technical Leader at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam. Ricardo De La Parra, PE, is an Associate and Senior Project Manager at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam.