TxDOT Partners with Counties to Maintain Energy Sector Roads
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TxDOT Partners with Counties to Maintain Energy Sector Roads

Combined effort will result in safer passage, local control of select roads

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation today announced a resolution to manage the maintenance of roads heavily used in the energy sector of LaSalle County. TxDOT and the county have agreed to share responsibility in repairing roads in need and maintaining them over time. The department is also working on agreements with other affected counties in the region.

Today’s breakthrough is a collaborative move forward that illustrates the spirit of TxDOT’s mission of working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas.

“Reaching this agreement first and foremost enables us to continue to provide safe passage for those driving in Eagle Ford Shale communities,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.  “We look forward to working with these counties and strengthening these roads to keep them safe going forward.”

Under the agreement, the counties will purchase the materials necessary to address road issues while TxDOT performs the repairs and provides the labor for the projects. Once fixed, the county will take over maintenance of the roads and be responsible for them for five years or until traffic in those energy areas drops off.

The total number of miles included in this resolution is about 20, which is part of the 83 miles of identified roadways that had previously been identified to be converted to high-end, unpaved roads. To date, five miles have already been converted, including the frontage roads on I-37 in Live Oak County and parts of FM 1916.

“I was confident we would ultimately reach a satisfactory compromise with TxDOT on how to maintain these heavily traveled roads,” said Joel Rodriquez, LaSalle County judge. “It is our collective responsibility to advocate for safe roads and economic development, and use our resources wisely.”

Work on these county roads is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

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November 26, 2013