Expressway construction brings the business community together at the first Lunch and Learn Session

The first session, Mario Jorge, district engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation and Ramon Navarro, Mid Valley construction project engineer, presented an update on highway construction in the Valley. Navarro announced that Mile 6 (Westgate) would be closed for a maximum of 40 days when the north-south overpass is replaced by the Expressway 83 overpass at the end of August or early September. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends you stay tuned for updates and be cautious as you enter the construction area. The Weslaco Chamber posts highway construction detours and road closures at weslaco.com. When asked about a future construction project going north on Mile 6, Jorge explained that the issue has been considered. "We are trying to get that project accelerated, but right now its not part of our 3 year plan," Jorge said. Navarro thanked businesses for their patience and cooperation with the expressway construction. He announced that the deadline for completing construction project is December 2006. Navarro said many blame the construction for the slow in business and explained how the detours created in Donna have proved the project to be a success. "It’s actually beneficial for your business," Navarro said. "We are forcing people to pass by your business. The benefits of those detours are worth the five-minute delay because they prevent accidents and allow the construction to continue without any delays." As a new chamber member, Trini Veloquio of Salud en Su Hogar, a local home care agency, feels it is very important to attend sessions like these. "I definitely think these sessions are beneficial. I feel I’m part of the community. I hope to get more involved in the community and network with other businesses," said Veloquio. The Lunch and Learn Sessions give business professionals and the community as a whole an opportunity to meet with experts and learn more about the issues that concern them.