Grayson Times

Gov. Greg Abbott has unveiled an ambitious $142 billion blueprint to revolutionize Texas' transportation landscape, aiming to enhance safety, reduce congestion and modernize roadways over the next 10 years. The plan, announced on Aug. 18, signals a substantial commitment to the state's infrastructure development, promising far-reaching benefits for urban and rural communities alike, ABC 12 News reported.

"Thanks to our booming economy, Texas has achieved a major milestone in our transportation infrastructure," Abbott said, according to a press release.

The 2024 UTP earmarks more than $2 billion to the Beaumont District, encompassing critical projects like allocating approximately $831 million for enhancing the U.S. Highway 69 corridor across Hardin, Tyler and Jasper County, over $112 million for Baytown area projects, which includes widening SH-146 south of Interstate 10, an additional substantial investment of $207 million for projects along Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 69 in Beaumont, roughly $3 million dedicated to constructing new sidewalks and ramps throughout the district and a noteworthy $145 million designated for widening projects along U.S. Highway 90 in Liberty County.

“Through this record transportation investment project, the State of Texas will further improve roadway congestion and safety to meet the growing needs of Texans in our large metros, rural communities and everywhere in between. This plan will not only connect Texans from every corner of our state, it will also bolster our economic growth and ensure Texans and businesses continue to thrive for generations to come,” Abbott said.

In February, Abbott unveiled TxDOT's proposed 2024 UTP, surpassing the 2023 UTP by an estimated $15 billion. Backed primarily by the State of Texas, the 2024 UTP encompasses a substantial $142 billion investment spanning development, delivery, right-of-way acquisition, engineering, routine maintenance contracts and UTP construction funding. With an average annual allocation exceeding $10 billion over the next decade, this plan is projected to yield approximately $18.8 billion in annual economic benefits, supported by increased labor income, business output and the creation of 70,500 direct and indirect jobs. Many projects within this initiative target roadways identified in Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways list while funding for the Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects is set to rise, contributing to a cumulative investment of $66.7 billion for completed, ongoing and future non-tolled endeavors since 2015. Additionally, rural projects will receive elevated funding, leaping from $2.2 billion in the 2016 UTP to an impressive $19.2 billion.