Governor Greg Abbott this week announced a new 10-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of over $146 billion. The plan by the Texas Department of Transportation will invest in local roads and major congestion relief projects to meet the demands of Texas’ growing population and a thriving economy.
“This more than $146 billion investment in our roadways will help Texas meet the critical needs of our growing state as more people and businesses move here for the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else,” said Governor Abbott. “We must strengthen our roadways and improve congestion and safety to keep our economy booming and keep Texans moving. By investing billions of dollars in our transportation network today, we will build the future of Texas for generations to come.”
“It’s no question why so many businesses and families want to move to Texas, and this monumental investment will help us take care of everyone here while attracting more to come in the future,” said Acting Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Alvin New. “I want to thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for this investment that will provide lasting benefits for all Texans, focusing on saving lives, connecting people and providing congestion relief.”
“Built with our transportation partners and public feedback from across the state, the UTP will enhance safety, improve mobility, and support our growth over the next 10 years,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Whether you live in a rural area or a big city, this plan benefits everyone as we continue to work to move people and goods safely and efficiently, fulfilling our mission of connecting you with Texas.”
The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2026 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Thursday. The UTP includes $101.6 billion for projects over the next 10 years to improve safety, connect communities and encourage a robust economy. This marks the third consecutive year the plan exceeds $100 billion. It also includes nearly $45 billion for development and routine maintenance.
Here are a few Austin area projects included in the 2026 UTP:
- I-35 Capital Express Central: Located in the heart of the Austin metropolitan area, the next phases of the Central project for fiscal year 2026 were included in the UTP. This includes the University segment – frontage roads, cross streets and upper deck retrofit; Downtown segment – 4th Street Capital Metro redline, frontage roads and cross streets. Estimated cost for next phases: $791.6 million.
- SH 71 Bastrop County: Construct overpasses on SH 71 at Pope Bend Road and FM 1209 intersections, allowing traffic on SH 71 to flow through the corridor without stopping. Estimated cost: $164.5 million.
- Loop 360 at Courtyard Drive/RM 2222 and Loop 360 at Lakewood Drive/Spicewood Springs Road: Construct overpasses/underpasses and remove signals from the mainlanes. Estimated cost: $209.7 million.
- FM 973 Williamson County: Widen highway to three lanes in each direction with center median from US 79 to Samsung Highway. Estimated cost: $102 million.
- US 281 Blanco County: Widen roadway from US 290 to FM 306 to a four lane divided highway. Estimated cost: $445.6 million.
- US 281 Burnet County: Construct new interchange at US 281 and SH 71. Estimated cost: $277 million.
Many of the projects in the 2026 UTP are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects will increase in funding by nearly $2 billion, supporting the $84 billion total investment for completed, under-construction and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. It also includes a nearly $17 billion investment in safety and an additional $669 million in funding for rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs.
