2026 TxDOT UTP

[MaxConcrete]

The draft TxDOT 2026 UTP is online.  The UTP has funding for projects planned to be built in the next 10 years.

The main points of interest in UTP updates are new authorizations, which are newly added projects, and funding adjustments, which is additional funding granted to previously authorized projects.

For expensive projects, the UTP normally adds funding incrementally instead of funding the project entirely in a single authorization.

TxDOT construction funding peaked at around $1 billion per month in 2024 and is in a slow downward trend. Much of the new funding, especially on expensive projects, is directed to cover inflationary cost increases on previously authorized projects. This is consistent with a small number of new authorizations.

Highlights

Austin
No significant new authorizations.
New Funding
$1.09 billion added funding for I-35 Central. $366 million remains unfunded.
SH 71 at US 281 (turbine interchange planned): $50.78 new funding to fully fund the $277 million project

Dallas
New Authorizations
Spur 399 on east side of McKinney Airport: $694 million, fully funded
I-345: $370 million authorized. $1.176 billion remains unfunded of the $1.547 billion total cost
I-35 Denton: $540 million for three projects, all fully funded

New funding
$159 million for previously authorized US 380 projects
$89.5 million for previously authorized US 80 project east of Belt Line, $395 million total cost is now fully funded.

Fort Worth
No significant new authorizations.
New funding
$100 million for I-20 in Arlington, $200 million project is now fully funded

Houston
No significant new authorizations.
Most new funding is to cover NHHIP cost increases.

New Funding
$1.375 billion for NHHIP, all for downtown projects
$452 million for I-10 between Katy and Brookshire. All projects are now fully funded.
$204 million for I-10 San Jacinto River bridge replacement. Total project cost is $810 million and is fully funded.

Observations
No new funding for I-10 Inner Katy projects

Page 64 has some interesting information about a new SH 36A freeway.
"The SH 36A project would construct a new location freeway, anticipated to be in Waller and Fort Bend counties. The SH 36A North segment limits are from I-10 to U.S. 290/SH 6 and is approximately 28 miles in length. The SH 36A South segment limits are from FM1994 south of Needville to I-10 west of Katy and is approximately 41 miles in length."

San Antonio
New Authorization
$135 million for Loop 1604 Northeast, upgrade to freeway between I-10 east and I-35, $135 million unfunded on total project cost of $270 million

Waco
New funding
$180 million for I-35 Belton (I-14 multiplex), $100 million remaining unfunded on $620 million total cost


I-69 South Texas (US 77)
New Authorization
$112 million in Kenedy County

[thisdj78]

Are there any projects referenced for 290 between Austin and Houston?

[TheBox]

Are there any projects referenced for 290 between Austin and Houston?

Looks like nothing on US-290 still

But on the plus side, they're finally paying attention to US-287 all the way up to Decutar, complete with several potential overpasses between Amarillo and Wichita Falls.
They're also giving attention to US-83 (future I-2) from Las Lomas to Roma, as well as Zapata, and even TX-480 at Eagle Pass and to an lesser extent US-83 at Laredo (not the in between tho) meaning I-27 got a bit of attention near Laredo too.

Also they're thinking of turning TX-249 within Beltway 8/SHT into a freeway in the future

[TheBox]

The biggest changes of I-69 progress besides north of I-37 is US-59 (future I-69W) east of Laredo and US-59 (future I-369) bypass of Marshall

[kernals12]

The biggest changes of I-69 progress besides north of I-37 is US-59 (future I-69W) east of Laredo and US-59 (future I-369) bypass of Marshall

Nice

[MaxConcrete]

Also they're thinking of turning TX-249 within Beltway 8/SHT into a freeway in the future

It won't be a freeway. It will be a 4x4 high capacity street, with all traffic signals retained. I was disappointed that the approved plan doesn't have grade separations. But realistically, there are so many intersections that a few grade separations would have a minimal benefit.

The project has required a substantial amount of right-of-way acquisitions, mostly on the east-west section west of I-45.

Environmental assessment

[MaxConcrete]

Are there any projects referenced for 290 between Austin and Houston?

Looks like nothing on US-290 still

Actually, the project in Brenham received $80 million in new funding, and the $310 million project cost is now fully funded.

But elsewhere on the US 290 corridor there are no other projects. Surprisingly, the planned overpass at Chappell Hill is not in the UTP.

The Giddings bypass study needs to present its recommendation before we'll see that project appear in the UTP.

[TheBox]

Are there any projects referenced for 290 between Austin and Houston?

Looks like nothing on US-290 still

Actually, the project in Brenham received $80 million in new funding, and the $310 million project cost is now fully funded.

But elsewhere on the US 290 corridor there are no other projects. Surprisingly, the planned overpass at Chappell Hill is not in the UTP.

The Giddings bypass study needs to present its recommendation before we'll see that project appear in the UTP.

Can't believe I slept through that.

Well that's good to know that they're finally taking care of one of the essential US-290 upgrades that matters the most between Houston and Austin and getting it out of the way.

[TheBox]

As far as I-14 is concerned

Other than the Temple, Bryan-College Station and Madisonville, it got several other pieces beyond those

US-190 Copperas Cove freeway upgrade, US-190 expansion from Lampassas to Lometa, and another freeway upgrade south of San Angelo.
It ain't much but still better than nothing.

There's also a US-277 freeway upgrade northeast of San Angelo, but idk if that's even related to the I-14/I-27 multiplex

[Bobby5280]

But on the plus side, they're finally paying attention to US-287 all the way up to Decutar, complete with several potential overpasses between Amarillo and Wichita Falls.

The US-287 projects from the I-35W interchange going Northwest aren't scheduled to let until the 2030-2035 time frame. That's really disappointing. The segment of US-287 just past I-35W is garbage. The road surface is beaten to shit. Traffic is beyond capacity for that dilapidated 4-lane road. I thought some sort of upgrade on US-287 from I-35W up to the Avondale-Haslet Road interchange was imminent. The notion they're going to kick the can down the road another 10 years is bullshit.

There's also a US-277 freeway upgrade northeast of San Angelo, but idk if that's even related to the I-14/I-27 multiplex

I-14 would come into the East side of San Angelo via the US-87 corridor. An upgrade of US-277 Northeast of San Angelo would be an improved outlet going toward Abilene and Wichita Falls.

[splashflash]

But on the plus side, they're finally paying attention to US-287 all the way up to Decutar, complete with several potential overpasses between Amarillo and Wichita Falls.

The US-287 projects from the I-35W interchange going Northwest aren't scheduled to let until the 2030-2035 time frame. That's really disappointing. The segment of US-287 just past I-35W is garbage. The road surface is beaten to shit. Traffic is beyond capacity for that dilapidated 4-lane road. I thought some sort of upgrade on US-287 from I-35W up to the Avondale-Haslet Road interchange was imminent. The notion they're going to kick the can down the road another 10 years is bullshit.

US 287 projects 26 a to e and 27, worth $300M, are scheduled from 2026 to 2029.  This is half way to Rhome, and not ideal.  A complete redo - including 2a and 2b, and projects north to US 380 would also have the major TX-114 interchange built (https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/fort-worth/us81us-287-corridor.html ). So after the next four years, little is shown planned.    Maybe the interstate designation would be expected to yield some federal funds?  At least double the $300M of the next four years spending 💰 would be needed. 

Note, TxDOT uses US 81 instead of 287 north of I-35W.

[longhorn]

From the SH130 expansion-

The SH 130 corridor between SH 45N and I-35 in Georgetown is expected to experience significant increases in traffic due to large new developments
(e.g., Samsung Austin Semiconductor in Taylor), regional growth and the construction of I-35 through Austin. The purpose of the proposed SH 130 project is to
widen the highway to three lanes in each direction to improve mobility, reduce congestion and enhance safety. The project will also restripe the SH 45N to I-35
flyovers to add a second travel lane, improving connections to and from the Central Texas Turnpike System.


Unless they fix the idiotic criss cross on ramp, sending more cars through it is NOT an improvement.

[thisdj78]

From the SH130 expansion-

The SH 130 corridor between SH 45N and I-35 in Georgetown is expected to experience significant increases in traffic due to large new developments
(e.g., Samsung Austin Semiconductor in Taylor), regional growth and the construction of I-35 through Austin. The purpose of the proposed SH 130 project is to
widen the highway to three lanes in each direction to improve mobility, reduce congestion and enhance safety. The project will also restripe the SH 45N to I-35
flyovers to add a second travel lane, improving connections to and from the Central Texas Turnpike System.


Unless they fix the idiotic criss cross on ramp, sending more cars through it is NOT an improvement.

As someone who lives right off this tollway, I can tell you that traffic is already significant. It's not as bad when school is out for summer break, but otherwise I can look out my window and see traffic backed up during both morning and evening rush hour.

[longhorn]

The sh130 entrance flyover is already three lanes and the flyover to 35 is two lanes with no room for a third unless they plan on expanding the flyover.

[Bobby5280]

US 287 projects 26 a to e and 27, worth $300M, are scheduled from 2026 to 2029.  This is half way to Rhome, and not ideal.  A complete redo - including 2a and 2b, and projects north to US 380 would also have the major TX-114 interchange built (https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/fort-worth/us81us-287-corridor.html ). So after the next four years, little is shown planned.    Maybe the interstate designation would be expected to yield some federal funds?  At least double the $300M of the next four years spending 💰 would be needed.

I hope those projects on US-287 are scheduled for the 2026-29 time frame. They're years overdue already. Nevertheless this latest TX DOT UTP document lists those same projects on US-287 between I-35W and Avondale-Haslet Road being scheduled to let in the 2030-35 time frame. The areas North and Northwest of Fort Worth are among the fastest growing locations in the DFW region. US-287 between I-35W and TX-114 should have been fully Interstate quality at least a decade ago. Any further delays on this project are idiotic.

US-287 needs to be fully Interstate quality from its split with I-35W up to AND THRU Decatur. The Interstate quality upgrades need to continue farther Northwest at least to the Bowie area, if not Wichita Falls or even Amarillo. Upgrading thru Decatur is the bare minimum of what should be done. It would be nice if the US-287 corridor received an Interstate designation (such as "I-32"). The more important thing is the freeway upgrades need to happen regardless of how the highway is designated.

TX DOT is also screwing up big time with the TX-114 corridor between US-287 and I-35W. Rather than be another freeway outlet for the DFW region that segment of TX-114 looks like it is about to degrade into a city street clogged with traffic signals. The area is being overrun with new housing subdivisions and giant logistical buildings. Semi truck traffic on that road has already been pretty heavy, but it's going to keep getting worse as they cram more and more giant warehouses into that area.

[TXtoNJ]

Also they're thinking of turning TX-249 within Beltway 8/SHT into a freeway in the future

It won't be a freeway. It will be a 4x4 high capacity street, with all traffic signals retained. I was disappointed that the approved plan doesn't have grade separations. But realistically, there are so many intersections that a few grade separations would have a minimal benefit.

The project has required a substantial amount of right-of-way acquisitions, mostly on the east-west section west of I-45.

Environmental assessment

Anything more than what's proposed would have likely been politically impossible.

[splashflash]

US 287 projects 26 a to e and 27, worth $300M, are scheduled from 2026 to 2029.  This is half way to Rhome, and not ideal.  A complete redo - including 2a and 2b, and projects north to US 380 would also have the major TX-114 interchange built (https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/fort-worth/us81us-287-corridor.html ). So after the next four years, little is shown planned.    Maybe the interstate designation would be expected to yield some federal funds?  At least double the $300M of the next four years spending 💰 would be needed.

I hope those projects on US-287 are scheduled for the 2026-29 time frame. They're years overdue already. Nevertheless this latest TX DOT UTP document lists those same projects on US-287 between I-35W and Avondale-Haslet Road being scheduled to let in the 2030-35 time frame. The areas North and Northwest of Fort Worth are among the fastest growing locations in the DFW region. US-287 between I-35W and TX-114 should have been fully Interstate quality at least a decade ago. Any further delays on this project are idiotic.

US-287 needs to be fully Interstate quality from its split with I-35W up to AND THRU Decatur. The Interstate quality upgrades need to continue farther Northwest at least to the Bowie area, if not Wichita Falls or even Amarillo. Upgrading thru Decatur is the bare minimum of what should be done. It would be nice if the US-287 corridor received an Interstate designation (such as "I-32"). The more important thing is the freeway upgrades need to happen regardless of how the highway is designated.

TX DOT is also screwing up big time with the TX-114 corridor between US-287 and I-35W. Rather than be another freeway outlet for the DFW region that segment of TX-114 looks like it is about to degrade into a city street clogged with traffic signals. The area is being overrun with new housing subdivisions and giant logistical buildings. Semi truck traffic on that road has already been pretty heavy, but it's going to keep getting worse as they cram more and more giant warehouses into that area.

US 287 projects 26 a to e and 27, worth $300M, are scheduled from 2026 to 2029.  This is half way to Rhome, and not ideal.  A complete redo - including 2a and 2b, and projects north to US 380 would also have the major TX-114 interchange built (https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/fort-worth/us81us-287-corridor.html ). So after the next four years, little is shown planned.    Maybe the interstate designation would be expected to yield some federal funds?  At least double the $300M of the next four years spending 💰 would be needed.

I hope those projects on US-287 are scheduled for the 2026-29 time frame. They're years overdue already. Nevertheless this latest TX DOT UTP document lists those same projects on US-287 between I-35W and Avondale-Haslet Road being scheduled to let in the 2030-35 time frame. The areas North and Northwest of Fort Worth are among the fastest growing locations in the DFW region. US-287 between I-35W and TX-114 should have been fully Interstate quality at least a decade ago. Any further delays on this project are idiotic.

US-287 needs to be fully Interstate quality from its split with I-35W up to AND THRU Decatur. The Interstate quality upgrades need to continue farther Northwest at least to the Bowie area, if not Wichita Falls or even Amarillo. Upgrading thru Decatur is the bare minimum of what should be done.

Yes, in the draft 2026 UTP see page 62 for line items 26 for the freeway upgrade items up to Harmon Road and 35a and b for near Decatur, 2026-2029.  A few others (2a,b and 34) are post-2030 but many projects aren't even scheduled.