TxDOT’s $1.3 billion to clear traffic congestion statewide

​​​AUSTIN ​– Texas drivers in five of the state’s largest metropolitan areas each are losing around 52 hours and $1,200 annually thanks to traffic congestion, according to the Texas Transportation Institute’s 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard. ​​However, the Tex​as Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to deliver $1.3 billion worth of projects at an accelerated pace to address the gridlock.

"The major metro areas of Texas—Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio—represent more than two-thirds of the state’s population and 97 percent of the state’s most congested roads," said Texas Transportation Commissioner J. Bruce Bugg Jr. "These areas see some of the worst congestion in the nation."

The projects add up to over 42 miles and will include interchanges, flyovers and congestion-relief efforts. The $1.3 billion will be made available by ending the use of diversions of highway money by other agencies.

The commission will also consider $800 million in additional funding for connectivity and safety, maintenance, repairs to the energy sector, and border infrastructure funding. It will vote on these projects at its February meeting.