The state of Texas has officially unveiled the next iteration of its 10-year Unified Transportation Plan (UTP), outlining a $146 billion investment in critical transportation projects statewide. The 2026 UTP will be the third consecutive year that the plan exceeds $100 billion.
The UTP serves as a blueprint for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), providing the agency with guidance for improving safety, addressing congestion and connectivity and preserving roadways over the next decade. TxDOT updates the plan each year with projects across numerous sectors, such as public transportation, freight, international trade, maritime, aviation, rail and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
A total of $101.6 billion has been slated for capital projects over the next decade to enhance safety, connect communities and promote a strong economy. The plan includes a $45 billion investment in development and routine maintenance efforts.
A significant amount of the funding will target roadway segments identified in the 100 Most Congested Roadways list published by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Some of the investments included in the UTP include:
- A $2 billion increase for Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects.
- $17 billion for safety initiatives.
- $669 million for rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs.
The 10-year outlook offers TxDOT the organization, structure and planning needed to effectively allocate resources in advance of major priority projects. Planning activities promote transparency into the department’s transportation system funding distribution strategy.
Notably, however, it is not a framework guaranteeing that listed in the plan will or can be constructed, instead serving as a communications tool to convey how TxDOT commits to project development. The 2026 UTP was developed following a lengthy public comment period, providing the public with the chance to provide feedback on the plan.
The funding has been allocated across 12 categories. These include:
- Statewide Strategic Priority – $20.9 billion.
- Preventative Maintenance and Rehabilitation – $18.4 billion.
- Metropolitan and Urban Corridor Projects – $9.8 billion.
- Statewide Connectivity Corridor Projects in Rural Areas – $9.7 billion.
- Non-Traditionally Funded Transportation Projects – $9.2 billion.
- Statewide Connectivity Corridor Projects in Urban Areas – $7.5 billion.
- District Discretionary, Safety and Energy Sector – $6.1 billion.
- Metropolitan Mobility and Rehabilitation – $6 billion.
- Structures Replacement and Rehabilitation for State Bridge Programs – $4.6 billion.
- Traffic and Railway-Highway Safety Programs – $3.7 billion.
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement – $1.9 billion.
- Transportation Alternatives – $1.8 billion.
- Supplemental Transportation Projects – $1.5 billion.
- Carbon Reduction – $3 million.
The plan still awaits final approval by the Texas Transportation Commission. The governor and TxDOT officials have expressed that the commission would formally approve the UTP this week.
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