TxDOT Yoakum District is conducting a feasibility study to explore a potential relief route around the City of Sealy in Austin County. The purpose of the relief route is to help reduce congestion, while also improving safety and mobility.

Current conditions

The existing State Highway 36 (SH 36) roadway north of Sealy is primarily four lanes with a center left-turn lane that merges into a four-lane divided facility with grassy median.

The existing SH 36 roadway south of Sealy is a four-lane undivided highway that merges into a two-lane undivided highway.

Project background

• SH 36 is a major roadway that stretches from Freeport to Abilene. In Austin County, Texas, SH 36 serves as a key transportation route connecting towns like Sealy and Bellville.
• The highway plays an important role in local and regional travel, linking communities to major highways such as I-10.
• There are ongoing improvement projects along the SH 36 corridor, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing congestion.

Proposed improvements

• Interim Typical Section: Two 12-foot-wide lanes, one in each direction, with 10-foot shoulders
• Ultimate Typical Section: Four 12-foot-wide lanes, two in each direction, with 10-foot outside shoulders and four-foot inside shoulders and a depressed median

Next steps

• Develop Conceptual Designs
• Evaluate Conceptual Alternatives
• Identify Preferred Conceptual alternative at Public Meeting – Mid-2026
• Prepare Feasibility Report – 2026

Get involved

• Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 - Public Meeting

Posted: Dec. 22, 2025