Texas Governor Announces $148 Billion Transportation Investment

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday, August 28, 2024, an unprecedented $148 billion investment in Texas’ transportation infrastructure. This historic commitment includes the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) unanimous approval of a more than $104 billion 10-year transportation plan aimed at enhancing safety, addressing congestion and connectivity, and preserving roadways across the state. 

“Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the Best State for Business in the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “With this record-breaking $148 billion investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities while improving roadway congestion and safety. People come to Texas because we provide the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. These projects will ensure our products and people can move quickly, keeping the Texas economy booming. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”

Many of the 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) projects focus on some of Texas’ most congested roadways. The Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief initiative will see a $1.9 billion increase in funding, contributing to the $75.8 billion total investment in non-tolled projects since 2015. This plan also allocates around $17.3 billion to safety improvements and an additional $1.7 billion for enhancing rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs.

Here In Northeast Texas:

The TxDOT Atlanta District will see an additional $213.6 million allocation for mobility projects across nine counties, raising the district’s total construction budget to $1.58 billion over the next decade. Specific project highlights include:

• $74.2 million (an increase of $6.1 million) for widening US 82 from two lanes to five lanes from US 259 to the Red River County line in western Bowie County.
• $411.7 million (an increase of $102.3 million) for the SL 390/US 59 Relief Route/Future I-369 in Harrison County.
• $164.1 million (an increase of $36.2 million) for widening SH 315 from Carthage to Clayton in Panola County.
• $13.0 million in new funding for widening FM 989 from I-30 to US 82 in the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
• $56.0 million in new funding for widening US 82 from I-369 to FM 989 in the Texarkana MPO.

Adopting the 2025 UTP follows an extensive public involvement process, allowing Texans to provide input on projects in their communities.

The UTP is a comprehensive planning document authorizing highway projects for development and construction. In addition to highway projects, it includes investments in public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail sectors. Projects are selected based on their effectiveness in addressing critical areas such as pavement condition, safety, capacity, and rural connectivity.

Click the link for more information on the UTP projects.

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