More than $1 billion to help decongest Texas roads

​​AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Commission will meet Jan. 28th to decide how it will allocate more than $1 billion as part of its Congestion Relief Program.

The money, which TxDOT’s David Glessner said will come primarily from the State Highway Fund​ (SHF), will go toward the state’s most congested roadways in its largest metropolitan areas, reports Texas Government Insider.

In addition, Glessner said TxDOT officials “will work in concert with the regions to fund shovel-ready projects prioritized at the local level."

Funding cannot be spent on rail projects or other alternative means of transportation.

“This funding is intended for congestion improvements that only involve roads and highways,” Glessner said. “The state constitution stipulates that SHF proceeds may only be used for non-rail/transit projects.”

Money cannot be spent on projects that include toll lanes, Glessner said.