The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Governor Greg Abbott took steps recently to reduce congestion in the state. TxDOT announced the adoption of the Unified Transportation Program (UTP), which lays out the state’s plans for the next ten years. The program represents a historic investment of $85 billion in the state’s infrastructure.
The UTP is a plan that the state updates every year. It helps TxDOT prioritize the transportation projects that are more urgent while still keeping less urgent ones in mind. It also breaks down the funding into 12 categories, including preventive maintenance, congestion mitigation, and statewide connectivity.
Ultimately, the goal of each UTP is to make Texas more navigable. Driving has only gotten harder over the years as more and more people move to the Lone Star State. The UTP projects hope to reduce congestion and allow for a greater flow of goods and people throughout the state.
The UTP Includes More Than 7,000 TxDOT Projects
There are far too many projects in the UTP to list in a single article, even for just one city like Fort Worth. Each UTP breaks Texas down into 25 districts, with each district representing multiple counties. Eight counties are a part of Fort Worth’s district. They range from Tarrant County in the east to Palo Pinto County in the west, and from Jack and Wise Counties in the north to Somervell County in the south.
The largest project in the region is the Southeast Connector project. This project will expand sections of Interstates 20 and 820 to permit more traffic. It should improve connectivity between Forth Worth, Arlington, and other cities in the southern Dallas-Forth Worth area.
Last year’s UTP totaled $74 billion in funding. The current 2023 plan reflects nearly double the funding for transportation alternatives statewide. Texas, like most places in the country, has become increasingly urbanized over the last century. As a result, funding these kinds of non-car transportation options is incredibly important.
