October 19 - The Port Corpus Christi, Texas, has a new direct connector bridge linking Interstate 37 to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor.

The Texas Department of Transportation constructed the (1,345 m) 4,415-foot long bridge as part of a USD32 million project to improve mobility and safety. The bridge is projected to carry approximately 500 large trucks per day to Port Corpus Christi between southbound Interstate 37 and the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor.

Texas Department of Transportation Corpus Christi district engineer John A. Casey said the new bridge is a strategic advantage for the Port of Corpus Christi - the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. "Today a new doorway to international trade opportunities is opened signalling that the Coastal Bend is open for business," Casey said.

Meanwhile, the port has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Tianjin Port (Group) Co for a cooperation alliance aimed at generating new business by promoting the all water route between Asia and the Port of Corpus Christi, and by promoting the all water route between North America (including Gulf of Mexico) and the Tianjin Port (Group) Co., Ltd.

"Our Port is honoured of signing this agreement today. The enhancement of the Port's relationship with the Tianjin Port Group plays a very important role in linking our Port with ports in Asia as we continue to develop strategic business partnerships with countries in the Eastern Hemisphere," said John LaRue, executive director, Port Corpus Christi.

An official statement said that as part of the agreement both ports will cooperate with each other in achieving a generation of new improved business by increasing the level of services available. These opportunities will support the levels of opportunities for economic growth for each of the region's the ports are located.

Future private investment projects are expected to impact the growth of the Port of Corpus Christi in the near future, namely the construction of a steel pipe mill by Tianjin Pipe Corporation, the expansion of the Port's Bulk Terminal to support long term leases with Ambre and Millennium for the handling of their coal exports operations to Asia, South America and Europe, the extension of the La Quinta Channel and the construction of the La Quinta Trade Gateway Multipurpose Facility.

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