Source: TxDOT
The Texas Transportation Commission Thursday approved 9 roadway improvement projects using Proposition 1 funding. The projects, totaling almost $437 million worth of roadway construction, rehabilitation and restoration, will enhance the safety, mobility and connectivity in our state. Commissioners have now approved final contract awards on 131 of the approximately 200 planned Proposition 1 projects across the state.
“The commission and TxDOT continue to deliver needed transportation projects that will greatly benefit Texas drivers and the state’s economy,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “The message from community leaders and local planning organizations, as well as the message sent by voters when they approved Proposition 1 last November, is that transportation concerns must be addressed in a manner that is both efficient and effective. Our efforts continue to prove we hear and understand that message.”
Proposition 1, which dedicates a portion of oil and gas tax revenue to the state highway fund, was approved last November by Texas voters. The 200 planned Proposition 1 projects will result in more than 800 miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 114 bridges replaced, widened or rehabilitated; and an additional 159 miles of passing lanes on rural highways. Metropolitan Planning Organizations and TxDOT districts worked together and with the public to formulate the list of projects.
Many TxDOT districts plan to use maintenance funds to repair or rehabilitate highways affected by production in energy sectors. These funds, along with Proposition 1 funds specifically allocated for energy sector needs, will allow projects in impacted areas to receive nearly 30 percent of total 2015 Proposition 1 funding.
In addition to addressing congestion, Proposition 1 funding also addresses safety. In the past 5 years, there were 248 fatalities and more than 23,000 crashes on the highway segments where these Proposition 1 funded projects are located. The work planned in these areas is designed to enhance safety for drivers and reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries.
For more information, visit TxDOT.