Governor Abbott announces $138 billion Texas transportation investment, includes projects in Houston District

Posted 9/3/26

On August 26, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a new ten-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion. The plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) …

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Governor Abbott announces $138 billion Texas transportation investment, includes projects in Houston District

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On August 26, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a new ten-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion. The plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will invest in roadway preservation, congestion relief, safety improvements and critical transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of Texas’ growing population and thriving economy, according to a media release from TxDOT.

“This $138 billion investment will strengthen our roadways, reduce congestion, improve safety, and support growing communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas’ booming economy and growing population demand a transportation system that keeps people and products moving safely and efficiently. By investing in critical infrastructure today, we are building a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”

“Working closely with our transportation partners and incorporating input from Texans, the UTP lays out a path to advance projects across the state,” said Texas Transportation Commission Acting Chair Alvin New. “These investments will improve mobility, enhance connectivity, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

“This ten-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas’ transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It is focused on practical outcomes, improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods. With continued attention to project delivery, stewardship and long-term performance, these investments help position TxDOT to meet today’s demands while planning responsibly for the future.”

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) during its August meeting. The UTP includes $95 billion for projects across the state over the next ten years and is supported by an additional $43 billion in development and routine maintenance funding.

Examples of projects in the Houston District area included in the 2027 UTP:

• North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) projects continue to be a priority for the Houston District, with several projects planned within the first four years of the UTP.

• IH 10 West from Mason Road to FM 359 remains a district priority, with project development activities actively progressing to meet planned letting schedules.

• IH 10 at the San Jacinto River is a major project that will add roadway capacity and improve resiliency along the corridor, including measures to reduce risks associated with past barge strikes.

• The Houston District is utilizing project development funding to advance additional projects and position them for letting should future funding opportunities become available.

Many of the projects in the 2027 UTP are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief project funding will increase, supporting the $90.6 billion total investment for completed, under-construction and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. The program also includes significant investments in safety and increased funding for rural corridors and key economic hubs.

The adoption of the 2027 UTP follows an extensive public involvement process that provided Texans the opportunity to review projects and submit comments before final approval.

Updated annually, the UTP serves as TxDOT’s transportation planning roadmap, guiding project development to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve the state’s transportation network. The program also includes public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.