The city of Harlingen is moving forward with a project to expand Loop 499, thanks to the Texas Transportation Commission.

On Thursday, the TTC announced the approval of nearly $285 million for 73 bicycle and pedestrian safety projects throughout the state.

One of those projects will expand Loop 499 in Harlingen to include 5.5 miles of 12-foot-wide shared use path along the east side of Loop 499 from Business US 77 to E. Harrison Avenue, according to a news release.

“The project also includes widening existing sidewalks and installing solar-powered lights, shade canopies, rest stops, emergency call stations, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety upgrades,” the news release added.

Harlingen will be using a $5.9 million grant from the TTC for the project.

“This is about accessibility and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians. It's also for safety because in Texas, one in five fatal crashes involves a pedestrian or cyclist,” Ray Pedraza, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation, said.