Here's what the Texas Transportation Commission discussed and approved at its August meeting.
Contracts
The commission awarded approximately $1.1 billion in highway improvement and routine maintenance contracts.
The highway improvement awards include 97 projects totaling approximately $1 billion.
The commission also awarded 23 routine maintenance projects totaling approximately $47.9 million, with bids coming in 17.58 percent below estimates.
2027 Unified Transportation Program
The commission approved the final 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) 10-year plan for guiding transportation project development across the state from fiscal years 2027 through 2036.
The 2027 UTP includes approximately $95 billion in transportation investments over 10 years, with a total investment of nearly $138 billion.
Legislative Appropriations Request
The commission approved the 2028-29 Legislative Appropriations Request.
Most of the requested funding — more than 80 percent — is dedicated to project development and delivery. The department also refined its request for additional full-time employees to focus on critical needs related to emergency response, statewide traffic management and flood mitigation.
Uvalde Bridge Reopened After Flooding
Commissioners recognized the reopening the Farm-to-Market 481 bridge over the Nueces River in Uvalde County just 37 days after flooding severely damaged the structure.
The southern portion of the bridge collapsed following flooding in July, leaving the crossing impassable. TxDOT used an emergency contract to expedite repairs and restore the vital link. Commissioner Alex Meade and Acting Chair Alvin New highlighted the work as an example of how TxDOT and its contracting partners can move quickly during emergencies.
Record Federal Rail Grant
Executive Director Marc Williams announced that TxDOT received more than $755 million in federal funding for 12 rail grade separation projects across Texas – the largest federal grant TxDOT has received for rail grade separations and the largest federal grant of any type the agency has received.
The projects will eliminate rail crossings, improving safety and reducing conflicts between trains, vehicles and pedestrians while also helping reduce congestion and improve the movement of people and goods.
Pedestrian, Bicycle Improvements
Commissioner Robert Vaughn highlighted TxDOT's continued investment in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
During fiscal 2026, TxDOT has invested approximately $244 million in pedestrian infrastructure, delivering nearly 185 miles of pedestrian elements. TxDOT also invested approximately $132 million in bicycle infrastructure, providing nearly 150 miles of bicycle elements statewide.
Aviation
The commission approved the 2027-29 Aviation Capital Improvement Program, which includes 212 projects totaling more than $410 million in proposed investments at general aviation airports across Texas.
TxDOT supports 258 general aviation airports statewide.
