From major highway construction and safety improvements to new funding for critical transportation projects, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said July brought significant progress across Texas as it continued working to improve safety, mobility and connectivity for communities statewide.
Investing in the Future
The Texas Transportation Commission approved 85 highway improvement projects in July representing nearly $955 million in construction investments.
The projects include $438 million for congestion reduction, $197 million for pavement preservation, $161 million for safety improvements and $127 million for enhanced connectivity. Additional investments include bridge preservation and pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
The commission also approved 28 routine maintenance projects totaling nearly $52 million, supporting the continued preservation of Texas roadways.
Loop 1604 Expansion Progresses
In San Antonio, TxDOT continued construction on the $1.4 billion Loop 1604 North Expansion, one of the largest transportation investments in the region.
The project is transforming nearly 28 mi. of Loop 1604 between State Highway 16 and Interstate 35, widening and rebuilding the corridor.
Federal Highway Administration Administrator Sean McMaster highlighted the project during his July visit to Texas, noting the nearly $800 million in federal funding supporting the project.
TxDOT also unveiled plans for a major future overhaul of the Loop 410 corridor near U.S. 281, San Pedro Avenue and McCullough Avenue. The proposed improvements would reconfigure ramps and access roads to address congestion and reduce hazardous weaving in one of San Antonio's busiest areas.
Loop 88, Upland Avenue Projects Advance
In Lubbock, TxDOT continued work on major projects designed to improve mobility and protect the transportation network.
The first phase of the Loop 88 project is moving forward as crews build the city's second major state loop. The project will ultimately create an outer loop around the west and south sides of Lubbock, providing another route for regional traffic and supporting continued growth.
TxDOT also began a $14.8 million project to upgrade Upland Avenue, including roadway and drainage improvements. The work is designed to improve safety and mobility along the growing corridor.
New Funding for Midland, Safety Upgrades in El Paso
In Midland County, TxDOT received a $24 million federal BUILD grant to advance the Interstate 20 Energy Sector Interchange project at South Lamesa Road.
The project will reconstruct the interchange, eliminate bridge-clearance problems that have led to recurring strikes by oversized trucks, reconfigure frontage roads, add lanes and traffic signals, and add drainage and lighting. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
In El Paso, a new runaway truck ramp opened on Transmountain Road, providing an additional safety measure on the steep, heavily traveled corridor. The mechanical escape ramp is the first of its kind in Texas and is designed to stop a runaway truck weighing up to 90,000 lbs. traveling at speeds of up to 90 mph.
Major Projects Take Shape
In Starr County, the first phase of the $240 million State Loop 195 project was nearly 40 percent complete as of July 1. The 4.38-mi. project will provide a new connection to U.S. 83 at Loma Blanca Road in Roma, helping drivers bypass traffic signals and improve mobility between Rio Grande City and Roma.
In Alton, TxDOT began a three-month reconstruction project along Farm-to-Market 494 (Shary Road) designed to improve the roadway crossing and add sidewalks, ramps and traffic signals.
In Calallen, construction began on the first phase of the $35 million Farm-to-Market 624 widening project, a four-year effort to reconstruct and expand roughly three miles of Northwest Boulevard between Wildcat Drive and County Road 73. Once complete, the corridor will feature six main lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, and a shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians
In San Patricio County, TxDOT began a $1.8 million project to replace a bridge on U.S. 181 east of Taft. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will improve the long-term condition of the important South Texas roadway.
Protecting Roads Texans Rely On
In Grayson County, TxDOT launched a $700,000 roadway rehabilitation project focused on protecting existing infrastructure. The work includes erosion repairs, sediment removal and drainage improvements and is expected to be completed by November.
Across Northeast Texas, a separate $734,734 project began in July to repair erosion at multiple locations in six neighboring counties.
