FEBRUARY 26, 2015
AUSTIN, TEXAS (KYTX)
Three short months after Texas voters approved Proposition
1, adding $1.74 billion to the state highway fund, the Texas Transportation
Commission today approved the construction of 201 road projects giving momentum
to much-needed progress across the state. Starting in March, the Texas
Department of Transportation will begin awarding projects to contractors with
construction kicking off soon after.
“Citizens sent a clear message in November and TxDOT is
carrying out its responsibility quickly, effectively and with a great deal of
local input,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ted Houghton.
“Between Prop.1's $1.74 billion and other funding sources, we are able to
allocate $2 billion to projects that will help address roadway congestion,
safety and the growing demands on our infrastructure. This is great news for
commuters, industry and the overall economic health of Texas.”
Among the projects slated to begin work are more than 800
miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 64
bridge replacements; and 18 lane-widening enhancements that will add 159 miles
of passing lanes to rural highways. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
and TxDOT Districts worked together to formulate the list of projects and then
gathered public comments.
Many TxDOT districts plan to use money dedicated for
maintenance to repair or rehabilitate highways affected by production in the
energy sector. These funds, along with Proposition 1 funds specifically
allocated for energy sector needs, means that projects in areas affected by
energy sector development are receiving nearly 30 percent of total 2015
Proposition 1 funding.
“Safety is our top priority and the money we are putting
toward enhancing safety in the energy sector is proof of this,” said Texas
Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood.
Over the past five years, there were 248 fatalities and more
than 23,000 crashes on the highway segments where Proposition 1 projects are
located. The work planned in these areas will help reduce the number of
crashes, resulting in fewer fatalities and injuries.
Texas also leads the United States in traffic deaths at more than 3,500 dead each year. Countless other people are also injured every year, making Texas a very dangerous place to drive or walk.