SH 36 Relief Route Feasibility Study

TxDOT Yoakum District is conducting a feasibility study to explore a potential relief route around the City of Bellville. The relief route study limits are from Old Highway 36 to FM 2429 in Austin County. The purpose of the relief route is to help reduce congestion, while also improving safety and mobility.

Background

• State Highway 36 (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

Current conditions

The existing roadway north of Bellville consists of three travel lanes (two northbound and one southbound), a two-way left turn lane, and 10-foot shoulders.

The existing roadway south of Bellville consists of four travel lanes (two in either direction), four-foot inside shoulders, 10-foot outside shoulders, and a depressed median.

Proposed improvements

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

Next steps

• Develop Conceptual Designs
• Evaluate Conceptual Alternatives
• Identify Preferred Conceptual alternative at Public Meeting -Late 2025
• Prepare Feasibility Report – Early 2026

Get involved

• Public Meeting - Thursday, July 17, 2025