US 281 Hamilton Relief Route

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US 281 Hamilton Truck/Relief Route

Virtual public meeting with an in-person option
Virtual meeting: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, by 5:30 p.m. CT
In-person public meeting: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CT
CSJ(s): 0251-01-064, 0251-02-050, and 0183-03-054

https://www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings/waco/2026/us281-hamilton-truckrelief-route-021226.html

"TxDOT is proposing the installation of a new location roadway (Hamilton Truck / Relief Route) for US 281 from 1.25 miles north of CR 203 (Leon River) to SH 36 and US 281 from SH 36 to CR 506 and SH 36 from US 281 to SH 36 in Hamilton County, Texas.

Description
   
"The project would be approximately 16.7 miles in length. The proposed Hamilton Truck / Relief Route would be a four-lane divided roadway with non-continuous two-lane frontage roads and access ramps to major cross-streets. The proposed Hamilton Truck / Relief Route would require additional right of way to accommodate the construction of the project. Environmental studies are ongoing to determine the environmental impacts associated with constructing the Truck / Relief Route.

"Any maps and drawings presenting the project and other information regarding the project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at TxDOT Waco District Office, 100 S. Loop Drive, Waco, TX 76704. Project and study materials are also available online on the project website.

[Bobby5280]

That's another small segment of what could potentially turn into "Interstate 33."

[The Ghostbuster]

We can speculate whether the corridor should become Interstate 33 or an extension of Interstate 37. I doubt the US 281 corridor will become an Interstate anytime soon, but this is Texas where any road can become an Interstate. Personally, I would prefer the Interstate 37 designation if the corridor gets Interstate status.

[Rothman]

Fictional piffle

[The Ghostbuster]

At present, it is indeed fictional. However, there may come a day (possibly decades from now) when it might come into fruition. Although, it probably won't happen within our lifetimes.

[Rothman]

At present, it is indeed fictional. However, there may come a day (possibly decades from now) when it might come into fruition. Although, it probably won't happen within our lifetimes.

You just said what I said in four times as many words.

[wxfree]

I've been keeping up with this project for a while because it's of direct interest to me, as it would affect my own travel, infrequently, but occasionally.  The Hamilton square can be a pain.  I don't see much room for Interstatizing this road ever, unless our transportation system remains drastically unchanged for a shamefully long time.  To me, it's like the Tenaha to Iraan Interstate, in that the way we travel will, or at least should, change before that ever gets built.  The way vehicles and roads work both have much room for improvement in the not too distant future, hopefully before we pave the planet and designate it as Interstate Earth.

[motorola870]

Is this a 3 quarters loop around Hamilton? Also wonder when completed will they move the US281 and or TX36 routing on to the new road and turn the existing roads into 281 business/TX 36 business.

[wxfree]

It's a 3/4 loop, running from US 281 north of Hamilton, west of town to US 281 south of Hamilton, and around the southeast side to SHs 36 and 22.  I assume the highways would be routed along the bypass, since that is TxDOT's general practice.  What I wonder about is the east end, between SHs 36 and 22.  I would guess that would be made into SH 22, which would end at SH 36, and BS 22 would end at BS 36.  That part could feasibly become a local road, with highway traffic using BS 36 to reach the bypass, but TxDOT generally prefers to hold on to its assets, and most drivers would continue to use the shorter route.