Inside Scoop: Texas Transportation Commission July 2025
Aug. 4, 2025
By Laura Butterbrodt
AUSTIN – Here’s what the Texas Transportation Commission discussed and approved at its July 2025 meeting.
89th Legislature recap
The Commission heard an overview of the 89th Regular Legislative Session, which met earlier this year. Trent Thomas, TxDOT director of Legislative Affairs, provided more details about passed laws that affect TxDOT.
The General Appropriations Act in SB 1 allocated a nearly $40 billion budget to TxDOT, which is a three percent increase from last session. In addition, HB 500 allocated $500 million in supplemental appropriations for TxDOT.
To learn more about TxDOT’s Legislative Overview and to see highlighted bills, view Thomas’ presentation.
Transportation corporation
TxDOT is lowering toll rates on the SH 288 managed lanes in south Houston to provide toll relief.
Average daily toll rates will be reduced by nearly half on the Harris County portion of SH 288 starting as soon as Sept. 1. Drivers will see substantial decreases in toll charges throughout most of the day, though rates during some short peak times will not be reduced to maintain a minimum speed and traffic flow in the managed lanes.
A portion of the toll revenue that TxDOT collects on SH 288 will be used to pay for the construction of two new, free general-purpose lanes—one lane in each direction—along portions of SH 288 between IH 610 and Beltway 8.
“Cutting taxes for Texans is a top priority, and that includes cutting toll rates,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “By lowering toll rates and adding free lanes along SH 288, we will achieve that goal while also easing roadway congestion. I thank the Texas Department of Transportation for cutting toll charges and building new free lanes in the Houston area to keep Texans moving.”
Learn more about the toll relief plan at the TxDOT Newsroom.
Public transportation
The Texas Transportation Commission awarded $96 million in combined state and federal funding to enhance transit programs serving both rural and urban communities across Texas.
The allocation aims to improve accessibility and expand transit services by helping provide more reliable travel for Texans commuting to work, attending schools, accessing medical appointments and reaching other important destinations. Last year, rural and urban transit districts supported by TxDOT funding provided more than 24 million rides.
This new funding will support 64 public transit agencies across Texas helping to expand services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, enhance mobility options, and maintain and expand existing transit services.
Learn more in the TxDOT Newsroom.
In addition, the Commission awarded $10.9 million in federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects across the state. The funding and Transportation Development Credits will go toward five shared use path, sidewalk and bike lane projects.
In memoriam
TxDOT mourns the loss of Atlanta District Engineer (DE) Rebecca Wells, who passed away unexpectedly in July. Executive Director Marc Williams extended condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, noting Wells was a well-respected and beloved leader. Wells provided more than 24 years of service to the organization and had been in her role as Atlanta DE since Oct. 2022.
Employee acknowledgements
Williams congratulated TxDOT Chief Administrative Officer Rich McMonagle on his retirement. McMonagle previously worked as TxDOT Chief of Staff and as director of the Infrastructure Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Prior to that, McMonagle served more than 25 years in the United States Marine Corps.
Jeffrey Davis has been named the new Chief Administrative Officer. Davis currently serves as the director of the TxDOT Rail Division.
In addition, Carl Johnson, PE, has been appointed as TxDOT’s Chief Engineer. He began working for TxDOT in 1995 and previously held the title of Director of District Operations.
Project highlights
Williams and the Commissioners acknowledged the ongoing response to devastating floods in Central Texas at the beginning of the month. TxDOT employees responded immediately and worked around the clock to help first responders with rescue and debris removal efforts, and assessed bridges to ensure their safety. While 85 roads were impacted by the flooding, all state highways but one have reopened. RM 1431 at Cow Creek in Travis County is on an expedited replacement process and is expected to reopen in September.
Commissioner Alex Meade shared a recap video of the Harbor Bridge opening in Corpus Christi at the end of June. The new Harbor Bridge is the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America, is tall enough to accommodate passing ships underneath, and includes a 2.4-mile pedestrian and bike path.
Commissioner Steven Alvis noted two Texas Clear Lanes projects were completed in the Houston area in July. The I-610 Cambridge and I-10 Brookshire projects are the third and fourth Texas Clear Lanes projects to be completed in the Houston area. The Texas Clear Lanes initiative provides funds to help reduce congestion on Texas roads.
Williams also noted the Irving Interchange received the 2025 America’s Transportation Award by the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO).
Contracts
The commissioners awarded low-bid value amounts of $477 million for 78 highway improvement projects, $99 million for 37 routine maintenance projects and $9.8 million for three building construction and rehabilitation projects. The awards include $23 million in emergency contracts for flood response projects for Central Texas.
Aviation
The Commission awarded $13.5 million in state and federal IIJA funding to nine airports for capital improvement projects and development.
More information about these projects can be found at TxDOT in the agenda item.