New $148B Texas Road Investment Announced for Infrastructure, Development and Maintenance

Texas Announces $148 Billion for Transportation Upgrades

On August 27, 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a major $148 billion investment. This record-breaking amount will be used to improve roads, reduce traffic, and make driving safer across the state. Texas is focused on keeping its roads in great shape as the state grows.

What the $148 Billion Texas Road Investment Will Do

This investment includes a $104 billion, 10-year plan approved by TxDOT. The goal is to make roads safer, reduce traffic jams, and take care of Texas highways. Another $43 billion is set aside for regular upkeep and new projects. The total amount is $5.6 billion more than last year’s budget.

Governor Abbott said this investment is essential for Texas. “Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the Best State for Business in the nation,” Abbott said. He explained that the money will help both rural and urban areas, improving traffic and safety for everyone. “Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”

Meeting Growing Needs on the Texas Road

Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. highlighted how important this investment is for the state. “TxDOT is meeting the moment with a record investment in our state roadway system to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses,” Bugg said. He thanked Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for making the plan possible.

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams pointed out that this investment will improve safety and connections across the state. “This investment impacts communities across the state, with projects that can help save lives and improve connectivity,” Williams said. TxDOT is already working on many construction projects, and this funding will allow them to keep improving roads across Texas.

Reducing Traffic and Improving Safety

Many of the projects in the new plan focus on reducing traffic in the state’s busiest areas. Several of these projects target Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways. The Texas Clear Lanes program, designed to relieve traffic, will get $1.9 billion more, bringing its total to $75.8 billion. These projects will help make daily commutes smoother for many Texans.

Safety is another big focus of this investment. The plan sets aside $17.3 billion for safety improvements. Another $1.7 billion will go to improving rural roads and major economic routes. These investments will ensure that people in both cities and rural areas benefit from safer, better roads.

Public Feedback Played a Key Role

The plan was shaped by feedback from Texans across the state. People had the chance to share their thoughts on the projects through public hearings, online comments, phone calls, and emails. The Texas Transportation Commission considered these comments before approving the final plan.

The investment plan doesn’t just focus on roads. It also includes funds for public transportation, aviation, maritime, and rail projects. This makes it a wide-ranging effort to improve all kinds of transportation in Texas.