Texas

[wxfree]

My description wasn't entirely descriptive.  I don't mean a dead end with an informal ramp.  I'm referring to an intersection in which traffic on one road has no legal public way to go other than back.  I've seen them at right angles, converging L intersections.  That's inconvenient, but it's much easier to notice the direction restriction.  The one I found today is worse.  It's not really an intersection, but a transition from ramp to frontage road.  If it were all one-way it would be perfectly normal, but with two-way traffic it's much too easy to follow the natural movement along the slight angle into opposing traffic.  They could pave another 50 feet or so of frontage road, with a normal yield where the ramp comes in, and then put in a regular dead end, and add a sign at the last intersection.  Or tear out the ramp, tolerate an informal ramp, and use the next exit to the east as the proper route.  There's almost nothing there, anyway.

[sprjus4]

Interim build- two lanes (one lane in each direction) separated by a 68' grassy median.

I don't recall ever driving on a highway/freeway/tollway with one lane in each direction separated by a median.

IIIRC, CA120 from Manteca to I5 was one lane each way with a median before it's current configuration was built.

CA-132 in Modesto was recently built like this as well. 2 lane freeway with a large median on a 4 lane right of way.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cGvWz3Bk8eypssgc8

[CoreySamson]

* Drivers turning left seem pretty timid, I've missed several lights when the driver in front didn't inch out;

If I'm remembering correctly, much of Texas is behind on the times when it comes to permissive lefts (with the exception of minor cross streets). I would say the majority of Texan traffic signals on major arterials and highways only allow protected lefts, with FYAs a recent invention. Picking a random intersection in San Antonio, it was still protected-only up until 2021: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfPjkgEiq1Wbp78v5

My hometown only switched to FYAs in the past 3 years, and many new intersections are being built even today around here with only protected lefts. As a result, I would suggest the left turn timidity that you are seeing is Texan drivers still adapting to the adoption of permissive left turns, having not grown up with them, as in other states. Also, I would guess that the Texas frontage/feeder road system's general lack of permissive lefts (where traffic flow breaks down if permissive lefts are present) also contributes to the lack of Texan knowledge on permissive lefts.

Also, congrats on the move! Sucks that it had to be in the summer months.

[jakeroot]

* Drivers turning left seem pretty timid, I've missed several lights when the driver in front didn't inch out;

If I'm remembering correctly, much of Texas is behind on the times when it comes to permissive lefts (with the exception of minor cross streets). I would say the majority of Texan traffic signals on major arterials and highways only allow protected lefts, with FYAs a recent invention. Picking a random intersection in San Antonio, it was still protected-only up until 2021: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfPjkgEiq1Wbp78v5

My hometown only switched to FYAs in the past 3 years, and many new intersections are being built even today around here with only protected lefts. As a result, I would suggest the left turn timidity that you are seeing is Texan drivers still adapting to the adoption of permissive left turns, having not grown up with them, as in other states. Also, I would guess that the Texas frontage/feeder road system's general lack of permissive lefts (where traffic flow breaks down if permissive lefts are present) also contributes to the lack of Texan knowledge on permissive lefts.

Also, congrats on the move! Sucks that it had to be in the summer months.

Thanks! And it's funny you mention it being during the summer. Okinawa, where I was living, has a very similar climate to here. More rain, though, but otherwise pretty similar this time of year, so I'm kind of used to it. But Okinawa is also where I got really used to turning from the middle of the intersection (Japanese law requires drivers to turn from the middle, there's even waiting lines at most major intersections). So coming here, weather-wise it reminded me a lot of Japan, but the drivers have so far been the exact opposite of my experience over there .

I did some research on flashing yellow arrows here in San Antonio, it looks like the city started using them quite a while ago; they were installed at Cesar Chavez and Flores back in Fall 2014. It does seem like this was a very early installation for the city.

There is also this left turn FYA across a crosswalk, but in my experience it never flashes yellow. There are also some right-facing FYAs, too. So, there is some experimentation going on!

[ElishaGOtis]

* Drivers turning left seem pretty timid, I've missed several lights when the driver in front didn't inch out;

If I'm remembering correctly, much of Texas is behind on the times when it comes to permissive lefts (with the exception of minor cross streets). I would say the majority of Texan traffic signals on major arterials and highways only allow protected lefts, with FYAs a recent invention. Picking a random intersection in San Antonio, it was still protected-only up until 2021: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BfPjkgEiq1Wbp78v5

My hometown only switched to FYAs in the past 3 years, and many new intersections are being built even today around here with only protected lefts. As a result, I would suggest the left turn timidity that you are seeing is Texan drivers still adapting to the adoption of permissive left turns, having not grown up with them, as in other states. Also, I would guess that the Texas frontage/feeder road system's general lack of permissive lefts (where traffic flow breaks down if permissive lefts are present) also contributes to the lack of Texan knowledge on permissive lefts.

Also, congrats on the move! Sucks that it had to be in the summer months.

Thanks! And it's funny you mention it being during the summer. Okinawa, where I was living, has a very similar climate to here. More rain, though, but otherwise pretty similar this time of year, so I'm kind of used to it. But Okinawa is also where I got really used to turning from the middle of the intersection (Japanese law requires drivers to turn from the middle, there's even waiting lines at most major intersections). So coming here, weather-wise it reminded me a lot of Japan, but the drivers have so far been the exact opposite of my experience over there .

I did some research on flashing yellow arrows here in San Antonio, it looks like the city started using them quite a while ago; they were installed at Cesar Chavez and Flores back in Fall 2014. It does seem like this was a very early installation for the city.

There is also this left turn FYA across a crosswalk, but in my experience it never flashes yellow. There are also some right-facing FYAs, too. So, there is some experimentation going on!

Hook turns have entered the chat

[Revive 755]

There is also this left turn FYA across a crosswalk, but in my experience it never flashes yellow. There are also some right-facing FYAs, too. So, there is some experimentation going on!

Texas is also using the Illinois all-text, square version of the flashing yellow arrow sign?  See example

[edited to typing error]

[wxfree]

I just looked up the web site for the Texas Historical Commission to find the text of a roadside historical marker.  I remember many years ago stopping to read them.  I'd heard fewer years ago that they finally got put online.  Anyhows, it led me to a map showing the marker locations where the text can be read.  It also includes a great resource on ancient highway routes.  It shows different roads at different times.  I don't know how accurate it is, but they didn't lazily overlay existing maps.  In some places, it shows roads where there's now nothing, where there's now an Interstate the old road is shown swinging across without regard for what's there now, and in cities sometimes it follows existing roads and sometimes it ignores them.  This suggests to me that they put some effort into making it accurate.

Interestingly, the 1916 Meridian road is shown going right by the capitol and along Congress Avenue.  It's shown along Lavaca Street in 1940 and the Interstate in 1960.  I don't know anything about the old names being used that recently, but gives us an idea of when the routes changed.  I remember driving right up to the capitol and parking just outside it.  These days, after 9-11, the whole area is blocked off and accessible only to official vehicles and pedestrians.

In addition to the road maps, it has a boatload (sorry, I meant metric boatload) of information, including things I didn't know about near where I live.  It's a great map.

https://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Map

[bwana39]

Texas UTP online presentation and interactive hearing July1, 2026. Here is the link,

https://www.txdot.gov/projects/planning/utp/utp-public-involvement.html?fbclid=Iwb21leASxeaVjbGNrBLF5YmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHjZoqpf6-Y-KvgPW7HguVCAUC6r5dkniB1TlJGmc0S4cpgZlfE4k5QnLacE6_aem_xSxrAuIchJXUX7qmRXi57A

[CoreySamson]

The FM 481 bridge over the Nueces River near Uvalde has collapsed due to the massive flooding in the area this week:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2901944770150377

According to GSV it looks like this bridge was replaced in the past 10-12 years:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3zv1bXsbbMT2VrVr7

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings/odessa/2026/reeves-county-rma.html

Reeves County filed a petition requesting authorization from the Texas Transportation Commission to form the Reeves County RMA.

As proposed, the Reeves County RMA would support TxDOT projects designed to improve safety and mobility along US 285 from just north of Pecos, Texas to just south of the New Mexico state line. The projects would include widening US 285 from a two-lane highway to four-lane divided highway. The projects also include reconstructing the existing at-grade intersections at RM 652 and at SH 302 to grade-separated interchanges.

The Reeves County RMA would also support the proposed TxDOT project to construct a relief route around the east side of Pecos from US 285 north of Pecos to US 285 south of Pecos. The relief route would improve long-term mobility and connectivity as well as safety on US 285 for local and through traffic. The proposed relief route would generally consist of a new four-lane divided highway, including two main lanes and a one-way frontage road in each direction, separated by a grassy median, for a length of approximately 10 miles. The project would also include shared-use paths and new interchanges at major intersections.

The Reeves County RMA would also consider truck parking as a fundamental need for freight and logistics operations and, therefore, support development of Pecos Freight Village. Pecos Freight Village has been designed to enhance road safety, bolster economic competitiveness, and improve supply chain efficiency in the west Texas region. Providing a range of parking options and amenities tailored to the specific needs of truck drivers would address these concerns. Positioned strategically within a major transportation corridor at the intersection of US 285 and I-20, Pecos Freight Village would facilitate the efficient movement of goods. It would also play a pivotal role in increasing safety for the dense vehicle traffic associated with the nearby oil and gas industry.

TLDR- Reeves County RMA would do the following safety improvements within the county:
1. Widen US 285 to a divided highway from Pecos to the NM state line with two interchanges
2. ~10-mile relief route around Pecos for through traffic along US 285
3. Truck parking along I-20 and US 285

[kphoger]

From Las Vacas Street south to the border bridge, there's actually a duplex of US 277 Spur and Texas State Spur 239.

What do you guys make of the last part of the minute order?

Route Name — SS0239
Order — 4
Title — Minute Order 107290, dated 09/25/1997;  DesLtr 04-1997, dated 12/22/1997

From US 90/US 277 and SS 297, westward along Gibbs Ave past Cordona St, then southward on new location to US 277 Spur, then along US 277 Spur to the International Bridge, a distance of approx. 2.75 miles.  (Val Verde County)  At District's request, present concurrent routing of US 277 Spur and SS 239 is eliminated from the State Highway System, from US 277 southwestward along Garfield St and Las Vacas Rd approximately 3.4miles to Rio Grande Ln.

I can't find any street in Del Rio named 'Rio Grande Ln', and 'Rio Grande St' is just a short residential street that parallels Las Vacas St.

[CoreySamson]

From Las Vacas Street south to the border bridge, there's actually a duplex of US 277 Spur and Texas State Spur 239.

What do you guys make of the last part of the minute order?

Route Name — SS0239
Order — 4
Title — Minute Order 107290, dated 09/25/1997;  DesLtr 04-1997, dated 12/22/1997

From US 90/US 277 and SS 297, westward along Gibbs Ave past Cordona St, then southward on new location to US 277 Spur, then along US 277 Spur to the International Bridge, a distance of approx. 2.75 miles.  (Val Verde County)  At District's request, present concurrent routing of US 277 Spur and SS 239 is eliminated from the State Highway System, from US 277 southwestward along Garfield St and Las Vacas Rd approximately 3.4miles to Rio Grande Ln.

I can't find any street in Del Rio named 'Rio Grande Ln', and 'Rio Grande St' is just a short residential street that parallels Las Vacas St.

There's a small road paralleling the Rio Grande and in line of Frontera Road near the border called Rio Grande Drive:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jr5fzW4q9rW1WHK89

Here's my conjecture... I wonder if, in between the time of the minute order and today, "Rio Grande Drive" was renamed to Frontera Road, and that access from US 277 Spur was removed to that street sometime around then (increased border security after 9/11?). And maybe TxDOT mixed up "Drive" with "Lane." Could that conflation of all this be the explanation? I don't know, but it's the best I've got.

To make matters more confusing, I noticed while I was in Del Rio this past week that US 277 Spur is signed as TX Spur 277 east of TX Spur 297:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZizGC19w9CVrMhC8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X1HGv8V8cvGR7Gji9

To make it even more confusing, US 277 Spur in the TX Spur 239 mulitplex is signed as plain old US 277:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cNHXu5gRMaPrcKnD8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pxsrX1jzYnsKrMDm7

[kphoger]

To make matters more confusing, I noticed while I was in Del Rio this past week that US 277 Spur is signed as TX Spur 277 east of TX Spur 297:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZizGC19w9CVrMhC8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X1HGv8V8cvGR7Gji9

That is how Texas signs spur US routes, apparently.

To make it even more confusing, US 277 Spur in the TX Spur 239 mulitplex is signed as plain old US 277:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cNHXu5gRMaPrcKnD8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pxsrX1jzYnsKrMDm7

That's new.  It didn't use to be the case:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gw5SbS9mLnxKgq9Q7

Last I knew, it's still signed as Spur-239 immediately north of immigration:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XYGZrWQgtUvBzNHG6

There's a small road paralleling the Rio Grande and in line of Frontera Road near the border called Rio Grande Drive:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jr5fzW4q9rW1WHK89

Whoa, and the GSV car even drove right along the border fence, too!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7SwdvA4qxgrTYmkW9

[kphoger]

To make matters more confusing, I noticed while I was in Del Rio this past week that US 277 Spur is signed as TX Spur 277 east of TX Spur 297:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZizGC19w9CVrMhC8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X1HGv8V8cvGR7Gji9

That is how Texas signs spur US routes, apparently.

If you want another example, here is the intersection of US-83-Business and US-83-Spur in Hidalgo County:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bigrMWrLVaWT7gXs6

[kphoger]

The worst example of Spur US Route signage in Texas, in my opinion, is where they signed one intersection for North US-281, East US-281, and West US-281.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jEuBKfNLRo6YYEvj9

West US-281 at that point is actually US-281-Spur.

[wxfree]

From Las Vacas Street south to the border bridge, there's actually a duplex of US 277 Spur and Texas State Spur 239.

What do you guys make of the last part of the minute order?

Route Name — SS0239
Order — 4
Title — Minute Order 107290, dated 09/25/1997;  DesLtr 04-1997, dated 12/22/1997

From US 90/US 277 and SS 297, westward along Gibbs Ave past Cordona St, then southward on new location to US 277 Spur, then along US 277 Spur to the International Bridge, a distance of approx. 2.75 miles.  (Val Verde County)  At District's request, present concurrent routing of US 277 Spur and SS 239 is eliminated from the State Highway System, from US 277 southwestward along Garfield St and Las Vacas Rd approximately 3.4miles to Rio Grande Ln.

I can't find any street in Del Rio named 'Rio Grande Ln', and 'Rio Grande St' is just a short residential street that parallels Las Vacas St.

If you go southwest 2.6 miles from Avenue F (now Veteran's Blvd) along Garfield and Las Vacas, you end up at the current end of Las Vacas at Frontera.  The 1997 minute order makes reference to the new road being already open and signed.  That's something Texas does, building and signing an undesignated bypass or rerouting and then getting it designated later.

https://onbasepav.txdot.gov/commission/api/Document/24152054/

The original name, Rio Grande Lane, goes back to 1978 (when it was called Rio Grande Road).

Here's my attempt to describe the history, which will hopefully have no more than 5 or 6 mistakes.

In 1940 the main route to the bridge, with no apparent designation, seems to follow the Las Vacas and Frontera route.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/storage/texas_media/imgs/map05013.jpg

In 1950, a spur from US 277 is petitioned from US 277 to the border bridge.  The designation is not declared, but seems to be implied.  The designation files list the road as Spur 239.  I don't know why it was done that way.
https://onbasepav.txdot.gov/commission/api/Document/24152524/

In 1961 US Spur 277 is shown along the same route.  (On these maps, don't look at the big year printed, look at the "State highways revised to" date.)  They designated one way and mapped it the other.  It wasn't until the early 90s that they got strict about designations, signs, and maps matching.  Note that the city annexed a different road, not the designated highway.  I don't know anything about it, but it's interesting to note.  It appears to be a more direct route for locals into town.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/storage/texas_media/imgs/map05320.jpg

The 1972 map shows the same geometry, although the distances don't match.  They may have used different points for the distances.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/storage/texas_media/imgs/map05685.jpg

The 1982 map shows US 277 Spur along the current route south of Las Vacas.  It does not show the part of Spur 239 going north and curving around to the northeast.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/storage/texas_media/imgs/map06094.jpg

The 1988 map is the same.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/storage/texas_media/imgs/map07488.jpg

The 1997 minute order mentions a new road constructed between Las Vacas Road and Rio Grande Road.  I think that refers to the current route headed due south and curving toward the border.  The old route, southwest to Rio Grande Road and then east, is cancelled.
https://onbasepav.txdot.gov/commission/api/Document/24152054/


The 1997 maps shows the situation as it is now, with the new part of Spur 239 to the north.
https://maps.lib.utexas.edu/maps/txdot/tcvalva1.jpg

[kphoger]

In 1940 the main route to the bridge, with no apparent designation, seems to follow the Las Vacas and Frontera route ... In 1961 US Spur 277 is shown along the same route.

Aha!  This is the key to everything.  Thank you!  The only last bit of information to confirm everything would be a map showing current Frontera Rd as Rio Grande Ln, but I have been unable to do so.  But the 1961 and 1972 city-level maps clearly show US-277-Spur along the exact path you describe:  from Garfield, down Las Vacas, to current Frontera, then a hard left toward the U.S. border POE.  The POE was at the intersection of where that road intersected with the border bridge, just a tiny bit after intersecting Alderete Ln.

[achilles765]

I snapped these photos of the work being done on extending the Spur 5/SH 35 freeway.  This was from Old Spanish Trail/US 90 Alternate near the U of H campus. 

https://imgur.com/a/work-on-new-sh-35-freeway-XPGNvkG

[Great Lakes Roads]

New $138 billion investment planned for Texas transportation

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a new 10-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion.

In a rapidly growing state, this transformational investment will help improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the supply chain.

"Texas' booming economy and growing population demand a transportation system that keeps people and products moving safely and efficiently," said Governor Abbott. "This $138 billion investment will strengthen our roadways, reduce congestion, improve safety, and support growing communities across Texas. By investing in critical infrastructure today, we are building a bigger, better Texas for generations to come."

"Working closely with our transportation partners and incorporating input from Texans, the UTP lays out a path to advance projects across the state," Texas Transportation Commission Acting Chair Alvin New said. "These investments will improve mobility, enhance connectivity, and make our roads safer for everyone. I want to thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their commitment to funding projects that will connect you with Texas."

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) in its August meeting, which includes $95 billion for projects across the state over the next 10 years. The investment is supported by an additional $43 billion in development and routine maintenance.

"This 10-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas' transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation," TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. "It is focused on practical outcomes—improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods. With continued attention to project delivery, stewardship and long-term performance, these investments help position TxDOT to meet today's demands while planning responsibly for the future."

The UTP lays out a plan for project development to enhance safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. The program also includes public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity. Learn more about the program in the UTP Fact Sheet.

Many of the projects in the 2027 UTP are roadway segments identified on Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects funding will increase, supporting the $90.6 billion total investment for completed, under-construction and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. The plan also supports a significant investment in safety and increases funding for rural corridors and key economic hubs.

The Commission adopted the UTP after an extensive process to allow the public to voice comments and opinions on the projects listed in the document. More information on comments received and the public involvement process can be found at txdot.gov.

https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/statewide/new-138-billion-investment-planned-for-texas-transportation.html