TxDOT seeking input on 10-year plan

Public invited to comment on transportation projects

From Staff Reports

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking the public’s input on the draft 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), the state’s 10-year transportation plan.

The UTP guides the development of projects around Texas to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. It is part of a comprehensive plan, according to TxDOT’s website, that details the planning activity of the state agency within the next 10 years.

In addition to highway projects, the UTP addresses public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight and international trade, and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.

“The Unified Transportation Program is TxDOT’s road map to developing projects across the state,” said Executive DirectorMarc Williams. “It is important to work with our transportation partners and hear from the public to guide transportation improvements that address congestion and enhance safety across our state.”

The public comment period for the draft 2023 UTP began on Friday, July 8, and ends Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at 4 p.m. (CST). Various methods to comment will be posted to the UTP Public Involvement webpage.

The presentations and recordings for the previous public meeting and hearing will be available for viewing on the UTP Public Involvement webpage.

TxDOT works with its transportation partners to identify projects to be included in the UTP. Public comments and feedback are also very important in developing the plan. Available in English and Spanish, the UTP Fact Sheet can be found on the same TxDOT.gov webpage and provides an overview of the program. According to the TxDOT website, the outcome of the UTP process is a list of projects TxDOT plans to develop, or begin constructing, over the next 10 years, as well as information on the available funding associated with the projects. The development process includes activities such as preliminary engineering and environmental studies.

The Texas Transportation Commission approves the UTP in accordance with Texas state law every August during the commission meeting and publishes the approved UTP on TxDOT.gov.