The Texas Transportation Commission today approved 23 more projects (out of 200 planned projects) encompassing nearly $168 million worth of roadway construction, rehabilitation and restoration.
“The Texas transportation system will see needed improvement as a result of the projects approved today,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “By working with community leaders and local planning organizations, we have selected these projects that will help address the transportation concerns of our citizens. Texans made a strong statement in voting for Proposition 1 last November, and it is now our responsibility to ensure these funds are put to use in the most efficient and effective manner.”
In total, the 200 Proposition 1 projects will result in more than 800 miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 114 bridges replaced, widened or rehabilitated; and an additional 159 miles of passing lanes on rural highways. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and TxDOT Districts worked together and with the public to formulate the list of projects.
Last November, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure known as Proposition 1, authorizing a constitutional amendment for transportation funding. Under the amendment, a portion of oil and gas tax revenues that typically go into the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund is being deposited to the State Highway Fund.
Many TxDOT districts plan to use maintenance funds to repair or rehabilitate highways affected by production in energy sectors. These funds, along with Proposition 1 funds specifically allocated for energy sector needs, will allow projects in impacted areas to receive nearly 30 percent of total 2015 Proposition 1 funding.
In addition to addressing congestion, Proposition 1 funding also addresses safety. Over the past five years, there were 248 fatalities and more than 23,000 crashes on the highway segments where these Proposition 1 funded projects are located. The work planned in these areas will enhance safety for drivers, helping reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries.
