The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started 2026 with a series of transportation projects aimed at expanding highways, improving safety, and enhancing local mobility across the state.
In Austin, TxDOT is moving forward with the reconstruction of I-35 bridges over Lady Bird Lake. This marks a major step in the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project. As part of this effort, the northbound Riverside Drive exit and Holly Street entrance and exit have been permanently closed. To maintain traffic flow during construction, a new Riverside Drive bypass lane, a temporary Holly Street exit, and a U-turn have been opened. The broader MyMobility35 initiative aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide better access for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users in central Austin.
Williamson County saw the start of Phase 1a of the RM 2243 project. TxDOT joined local leaders and federal partners to begin work on reconstructing and widening 3.5 miles of RM 2243 between 183A and Garey Park. The upgrades include adding a center turn lane, realigning curves for safety improvements, and building a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Construction is expected to finish in early 2028.
In Hays County’s Wimberley area, nighttime construction began on three new traffic signals at RR 12 and Old Kyle Road. These signals are intended to improve safety at a busy intersection while minimizing daytime traffic disruptions.
For the Greater Houston region, TxDOT announced plans to expand the Grand Parkway in west Harris County. This expansion responds to rapid residential growth and increasing congestion between I-10 and Highway 290. Scheduled to begin this summer, construction will widen the corridor from four lanes to six. Safety features will include replacing cable barriers with concrete barriers and adding noise walls where needed.
In West Texas’ Taylor County, TxDOT outlined plans for a $125 million expansion of I-20 that will widen the interstate to six lanes and add an overpass at Judge Ely Boulevard. Construction is set to begin in late 2026.
Lubbock has started a $2.7 million safety project on U.S. 62 between Lubbock and Ropesville by installing cable median barriers aimed at reducing severe crashes.
Amarillo crews began making Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements on I-40 service roads and Washington Street by adding curb ramps, sidewalks, and shared-use paths for improved accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
These projects reflect ongoing efforts across Texas cities—both large-scale interstate undertakings in places like Austin, Houston, and San Antonio as well as community-level safety upgrades statewide—to advance transportation infrastructure.
On a national level, recent federal initiatives also support transportation improvements:
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded nearly $19.6 million in grants through its Small Shipyard Grant Program to help modernize shipyards across multiple states.
To address climate resilience in infrastructure planning, new guidance was issued along with $7.3 billion in formula funding under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states prepare for extreme weather events such as wildfires or flooding.
Efforts toward accessibility continue as well; the Department of Transportation marked the ADA’s anniversary by announcing winners of its Inclusive Design Challenge—a competition focused on mobility solutions for people with disabilities.
Additionally, Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $2.2 billion from the RAISE program would go toward modernizing roads, bridges, transit systems, ports, railways—and making transportation safer nationwide.
These combined state and federal efforts underscore an ongoing commitment to upgrading infrastructure for improved mobility, safety enhancements for all users—including those with disabilities—and adapting systems for future needs.
