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Last week, Governor Greg Abbott announced a record $148 billion investment in Texas’ transportation infrastructure.
“Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the best state for business in the nation,” Abbott said.
The investment includes the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) unanimous adoption of a more than $104 billion 10-year transportation plan to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways. Additionally, more than $43 billion will be allocated for development and routine maintenance.
In Dripping Springs, the investment includes upgrading U.S. 290 from Roger Hanks Parkway to Rob Shelton Boulevard. The project will expand the current road from a four-lane divided highway to a six-lane divided highway with pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The estimated cost is $20.7 million.
The adoption of the 2025 Unified Transportation Plan (UTP) follows an extensive public involvement process, allowing Texans to voice their opinions on community projects. Public comments were collected via a hearing and online, by phone, email, and other formats before the Texas Transportation Commission approved the UTP.
The UTP is a planning document authorizing highway projects for development and construction. In addition to highway projects, the UTP includes investments in public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail. Projects are selected based on effectiveness in areas such as pavement condition, safety, capacity, and rural connectivity.
Here are some of the top projects in the Austin district included in the UTP: I-35 Capital Express Central: This $4.5 billion project is the first major reconstruction of I-35 since 1974. It will remove the upper decks and add two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction from U.S. 290 East to State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard. The project will also reconstruct east-west crossstreet bridges and add shared-use paths. The first of six segments is underway. For more detailed information, visit my35capex.com.
FM 2770 (Caldwell and Hays counties): This proposed project would widen the roadway from State Highway 142 to State Highway 21. Estimated cost: $46.7 million.
FM 973 (from FM 1660 to U.S. 79): This proposed project would continue the expansion of FM 973 to a fourlane divided highway from FM 1660 to U.S. 79 in Taylor. Estimated cost: $170.2 million.
State Highway 71 (Bastrop County): This project will construct overpasses on SH 71 at Tucker Hill Lane, Pope Bend Road, and FM 1209, allowing traffic on SH 71 to flow through the corridor without stopping. Estimated cost: $232 million.
FM 812 (from U.S. 183 to SH 21): Tx-DOT is developing plans to convert FM 812 to a four-lane divided roadway. Estimated cost: $160 million.
FM 973 (from U.S. 290 to FM 1660): This proposed project would widen the existing two-lane roadway to a six-lane divided highway. Estimated cost: $395.3 million.
