Transportation Commission Approves August Proposition 1 Projects

More than $304 million worth of roadwork gets the go-ahead

AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Commission today approved 22 projects from Proposition 1 funding totaling more than $304 million worth of roadway construction, rehabilitation and restoration for improved safety, mobility and connectivity in our state. Commissioners have now approved final contract awards on 115 of the 200 planned Proposition 1 projects across the state.

“The Commission and TxDOT continue to deliver needed transportation projects that will greatly benefit Texas drivers and the state’s economy,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “The message from community leaders and local planning organizations, as well as the message sent by voters when they approved Proposition 1 last November, is that transportation concerns must be addressed in a manner that is both efficient and effective. Our efforts continue to prove we hear and understand that message.”

Specific projects awarded this month include roadway repair along SH 285 in Brooks County, the widening of SH 21 in Madison County and the resurfacing of US 67 in Tom Green County.

Proposition 1, which dedicates a portion of oil and gas tax revenue to the state highway fund, was approved last November by Texas voters. The 200 planned Proposition 1 projects will result in more than 800 miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 114 bridges replaced, widened or rehabilitated; and an additional 159 miles of passing lanes on rural highways. Metropolitan Planning Organizations and TxDOT districts worked together and with the public to formulate the list of projects.

Many TxDOT districts plan to use maintenance funds to repair or rehabilitate highways affected by production in energy sectors. These funds, along with Proposition 1 funds specifically allocated for energy sector needs, will allow projects in impacted areas to receive nearly 30 percent of total 2015 Proposition 1 funding. 

In addition to addressing congestion, Proposition 1 funding also addresses safety. Over the past five years, there were 248 fatalities and more than 23,000 crashes on the highway segments where these Proposition 1 funded projects are located. The work planned in these areas is designed to enhance safety for drivers and reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.