Broadband Program
Launched in 2023 and jointly sponsored by the Right of Way and Information Technology Divisions, the TxDOT Broadband Program is responsible for administering the agency's broadband program. To deploy infrastructure and reduce costs to Texas, collaboration between public and private partners is vital. TxDOT Broadband Program will:
Connect. Build. Learn.
Resources for broadband providers
Broadband program notifications
On December 3, 2021, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Final Rule to Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations Part 645.In this document, FHWA “aims to facilitate the installation of broadband infrastructure.”
Requirements of the Stateinclude establishing a registration process for broadband providers to be notified of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) on an annual basis. Communication of the annual STIP allows an opportunity to coordinate broadband infrastructure installation in state rights of way.
Please use the link below to register as part of TxDOT’s Broadband Infrastructure Coordination notifications.
To comply with FHWA’s Final Ruling, as outlined above, this process for broadband companies registers you to receive information about TxDOT’s STIP on an annual basis. TxDOT's current STIP can be found here.
Broadband projects
$6 million in Coronavirus Capital Project Funds were awarded to the El Paso (ELP) district to provide public Wi-Fi access to six safety rest areas (SRA).
- IH 10 E Van Horn
- IH 10 Fabens
- IH 10 Fort Hancock
Target Completion: End Q4 2026
Establish a repository of Statewide Fiber & Conduit assets.
Target Completion: End Q1 2027
TxDOT joint duct spotlight project in Paris, TX along US286.
Target Completion: End Q4 2028
Connect with the Broadband Program and learn how to combine technology and road infrastructure in projects. Have a project incorporating broadband expansion to highlight?Contact us.
Events calendar
New in 2026 – Broadband Program Industry Connect & Collaborate sessions!
These sessions will offer a fantastic opportunity for you to CONNECT with our Broadband Coordinator, Cristy Burch, and other industry professionals.
Our goal is to LEARN from each other and discover ways to BUILD broadband infrastructure more efficiently, ultimately enhancing digital connectivity across Texas. Sessions will cover the latest in broadband topics like BEAD permitting tips and joint duct leasing, as well as dedicated time for internet service provider questions/feedback.
Mark your calendars! Virtual meeting every other month on the fourth Tuesday.
Meetings will not be recorded, but we will share the slides after the meeting. AI meeting recorders will be removed from the meeting.
2026 Meetings:
📅 Dates: Feb 24, Apr 28, Jun 23, Aug 25, Oct 27
🕒 Time: 1:30-2:30pm Central Time
📍 Virtual Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting materials may be referenced on Box.com.
Industry feedback is requested during joint duct lease program development. Find the draft term sheet and companion survey on Box.com.
Past events
- Texas Rural Broadband Association (TSTCI/TRBA)
- Texas Telephone Association (TTA)
- Transportation Short Course
- TxDOT Utility Week
- Texas Innovation Alliance
- Regional Fiber Connect (San Antonio, TX)
- Fiber Connect 2025 Annual Conference (Nashville, TN)
- Texas Chapter - Utility Engineering and Survey Institute (UESI)
- ITS America
- ITS Texas
- High Ground of Texas Annual Meeting
- Texas Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Summit
Rules, regulations, policies
Frequently asked questions
Contact the District Utility Coordinator for your project. Contractors will be working with the districts for most of the permitting and construction process.
Allow at least 90 days to receive the necessary permit for the project.
TxDOT will require adequate depth of cover for underground installations (4-ft longitudinal and 5-ft crossing minimum) and adequate overhead clearance for aerial installations (18-ft minimum). Dimensions are measured from the top of the road surface.
The Right of Way Division at TxDOT uses an online application called the Right of Way Utility and Leasing Information System (RULIS) for utility permitting and leasing. For more information, login to RULIS here.
A bank of empty conduits and access points built by TxDOT
- Shared infrastructure
- Option for provider-built access points
- Providers included during design phase to inform duct bank size and access point locations
An improvement of the right of way that providers access via a standard lease agreement.
If the joint duct needs to be moved in the future, cost of relocation would be carried by TxDOT. Providers would be responsible for relocation of their access points and fiber.
Joint duct banks are generally considered by TxDOT when there are:
Right of way constraints (e.g. need to fit multiple providers into a small right of way footprint)
Broadband construction constraints (e.g. open trenching in rock, deep boring under stream bed or silty soils)
Needs for TxDOT fiber along an interstate highway
Yes, but only for TxDOT-owned joint duct conduit. The lease agreement will be a standard document, allowing for ease of contract execution.
Industry feedback is requested during joint duct lease program development. Find the draft term sheet and companion survey on Box.com .
Providers will need a lease agreement for occupying TxDOT-owned joint duct conduit. A permit will also be needed for work to pull fiber within the duct. Duct assignments will be tracked at a statewide level, integrated with the existing District processes. Book time with Cristy Burch, TxDOT Broadband Coordinator for more details!
Training and Job aid documents for RULIS can be found here.
Advanced railroad coordination is strongly recommended and may be essential for funding consideration. Obtaining railroad approval can take several months. Coordination with a railroad is a requirement for all projects that are within 50 feet of railroad right-of-way (including grade-separated crossings) and/or all projects that begin or end within 500 feet from an at-grade highway-rail crossing to ensure traffic control and construction do not interfere with an active crossing.
Railroads require an agreement with the utility owner and a separate right-of-way agreement between the railroad company and the company/contractor whose project enters that space. TxDOT has no input or authority on the agreement.
As part of the requirement of HB2422, TxDOT developed an application that allows a method of coordination and communication between broadband providers interested in cost sharing infrastructure deployment and associated costs. Providers can enter a planned route and contact email into the application. When overlapping routes occur, an introductory email is sent from the application to the associated providers. Broadband providers conduct coordination and negotiations.
Access the Joint Trenching Application here.
Register your company by clicking the Register link below. Annual notification of the Texas State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be sent via email each fall. You can view the current STIP as any time by visiting.
