In November, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) made significant progress on transportation projects across the state. The agency reported improvements for both drivers and pedestrians, aiming to support growing communities.
In Lake Houston, three intersections along FM 1960—Atascocita Road, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Farmingham Road—reopened after nearly four years of construction. These intersections now have updated signals and improved traffic flow as part of a $128 million project to widen FM 1960 from four to six lanes. The expansion includes new sidewalks, raised medians, turn lanes, and drainage upgrades. Segment B is expected to finish by Christmas, with Segment A following in February. TxDOT has advised motorists to remain cautious as work continues into early 2026.
Central Texas will see new pedestrian infrastructure projects in Mart and Waco. In Mart, a $1 million project started December 1 will build sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks along S. Carpenter Street from SH 164 to Lumpkin Street. This work is scheduled for completion in early 2026. In Waco, a $2.7 million project on Valley Mills Drive will add sidewalks, upgraded curb ramps, and improved pedestrian signals between Bagby Avenue and US 84. Construction will last through summer 2026.
San Antonio’s Loop 1604/I-10 interchange saw two new flyover ramps open as part of the North Expansion project. These connect eastbound I-10 to both directions of Loop 1604. Seven out of eight planned flyovers are now complete; all are expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The completed interchange will include eight high-speed flyover ramps, roundabouts at ground level, added turnarounds and sidewalks, expanded main lanes—including a future HOV lane—and collector-distributor roads intended to reduce congestion.
On November 20th, the Federal Transit Administration announced that TxDOT would receive $36 million in grants for transit improvements. This funding will be used to purchase replacement buses for 26 rural transit agencies and construct a new facility in El Paso. The grant supports districts serving over seventy percent of Texas’s land area across 193 counties.
Elsewhere in transportation news this year:
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration awarded nearly $19.6 million in grants to small shipyards across nineteen states through its Small Shipyard Grant Program this July. The funds aim to modernize facilities and expand employment opportunities while helping these shipyards compete globally (https://www.maritime.dot.gov/newsroom/maritime-administration-awards-nearly-20-million-funding-strengthen-us-shipyard-economic).
To mark the Americans with Disabilities Act’s anniversary, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched an Inclusive Design Challenge offering $5 million in prizes for designs that improve mobility options for people with disabilities using automated vehicles (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/anniversary-ada-usdot-announces-winners-its-first-ever-inclusive-design-challenge).
Additionally, new federal guidance provided $7.3 billion in formula funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states prepare for extreme weather events like wildfires or flooding (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-administration-announces-new-protect-formula-program-73-billion-bipartisan).
The Department also advanced its Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative by expanding data-sharing partnerships among supply chain stakeholders (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-supply-chain-companies-collaborate-speed-movement-goods-cut-costs-consumers).
TxDOT continues its efforts statewide with projects designed to address population growth and improve safety for all road users.
