On 23rd February 2023, Governor Gregg Abbott announced a record $100 billion statewide transportation construction plan in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the next 10 years. 

The Office of Gregg Abbott declared that the Unified Transportation Program would increase the number of transportation project initiatives across the state to improve traffic congestion, maintain roadways, and increase road safety in Texas. 

According to the TxDOT, Texas’ highest-priority transportation projects have been nominated for the Unified Transportation Program in partnership with elected officials, local planning organizations, and the public sector.

The proposed 2024 UTP is approximately $15 billion more than the 2023 UTP. It is primarily based on expected revenue from state sources. The 2023 UTB plan, announced and approved in August of last year, committed $85 billion for various transportation construction projects. 

The program not only aims to maintain roadways and enhance safety and traffic congestion across Texas, but it also includes several investments in public transportation, aviation, maritime, aviation, freight rail, and international trade.

According to a state news release, the 2024 UTP is predicted to provide a record-high amount of infrastructure spending for construction projects across Texas. The release also said that the $15 billion increase would result in increased funding for “vital areas,” including energy, safety, border infrastructure, and connectivity between semi-urban and urban areas. 

Funding has been made available in over 12 categories, such as: 

1. Preventative maintenance and rehabilitation
2. Metro and urban corridor funding
3. Congestion mitigation and air quality improvements
4. Bridges
5. Nontraditional projects
6. Transportation alternatives
7. Statewide connectivity
8. Safety
9. Supplemental transportation projects (including carbon reduction)
10. Federal metropolitan mobility
11. District discretionary projects (including safety and energy)
12. Strategic priority projects.

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said, “Safety is a top priority for TxDOT, and these funding levels reflect that. “This historic UTP allows the department to deliver on a record number of projects that are not only innovative but will help improve safety for all Texans. 

Projects included in the UTP will help “drastically reduce” roadway deaths. Ending fatalities is one of TxDOT’s top priorities, as outlined in its #EndTheStreakTX campaign.”

Texas Transportation Commission Chair J. Bruce Bugg Jr. added, “As the state of Texas continues to see exponential population and economic growth, this funding will help meet the needs of all Texans. As cities grow every year, it’s important we continue to address congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which is also set to get a significant boost.”

The release also mentioned that over 7000 Texas Department of Transportation projects are active or expected to begin this year. 

As state law mandates, the five-member Texas Transportation Commission each summer adopts revisions to the UTP. A draft plan will be submitted in June after TxDOT, and the commission have evaluated projects for inclusion in the 2024 UTP through May.

According to the UTP breakdown, Texans will also have the chance to give inputs on the UTP in July before the final plan is adopted in August.