The Lone Star state has seen significant growth in terms of both population and economy.  What's become clear is that the current transportation network needs continual upgrades in the state, as it struggles to meet present and future demands.

To meet the growing infrastructural needs, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has developed the Unified Transportation Program (UTP). The 2025 draft of the TxDOT's UTP is a record-breaking 10-year transportation plan worth $104.2 billion. This is the second time TxDOT went over the $100 billion mark.

This is a decade-long program that will serve as a guide or map to help develop infrastructural and transportation projects around the state that address safety issues, congestion, and connectivity. In addition, the UTP covers freight and international trade, rail, maritime, aviation, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, and public transit. 

TxDOT updates the UTP annually and collaborates with its transportation partners to select projects for inclusion.

As this plan directly impacts the life of the Texas, TxDOT is keen to get their inputs and feedback on the 2025 UTP draft.

On Wednesday, July 31, at 2:00 PM CDT, TxDOT will be holding a virtual public hearing during which the public is invited to provide feedback. The public can participate digitally in the meeting through TxDOT.gov or over the phone.

The public comment period for the draft 2025 UTP is open from Friday, July 5, until Monday, August 5, at 4 PM (CDT). Visit the UTP Public Involvement homepage to find out more about the various methods you can provide comments. Presentations made during the public meeting and hearing will be videotaped and made accessible for viewing at a later date. You can also submit comments online in the following languages: English, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  

Executive Director Marc  Williams explained, "The UTP serves as TxDOT's strategic 10-year blueprint for advancing projects statewide." He further continued, "Collaborating with our transportation partners and communities ensures that we continue connecting you with Texas while prioritizing safety, delivery, innovation and stewardship."

Highway Project Listings in the UTP document only list a portion of TxDOT projects. Several highway mobility and connection projects are sponsored under UTP categories 2, 4, and 12. TxDOT supplements the UTP with details about thousands of other transportation projects using its web portal Project Tracker.

The UTP is not intended to be a budget or an assurance that specific projects will be completed because funding levels are subject to change in the future. As an alternative, the plan gives TxDOT and regional partner organizations permission to design projects for construction using projected future funding flow.

"TxDOT staff has worked closely with their MPO partners and the Texas Transportation Commission to prioritize and select projects in their regions based on regional needs," TxDOT official Christopher Lee stated.

Some of the projects that are mentioned in the UTP are $3.4 billion in funding for the Bryan District. The State Highway 6 project and Bush-Wellborn Interchange are two of the largest projects mentioned in the UTP.