LUFKIN – The Texas Transportation Commission Thursday approved 201 road projects across the state that will be funded by voter-approved Proposition 1 which totals $1.74 billion.

The projects will open the gateway of progress and are expected to be key components that will work to build momentum and opportunity for growth across the state. The Department of Transportation will begin awarding the projects to contractors in March and construction is expected to begin soon after.

“Citizens sent a clear message in November and TxDOT is carrying out its responsibility quickly, effectively and with a great deal of local input,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ted Houghton. “Between Prop.1’s $1.74 billion and other funding sources, we are able to allocate $2 billion to projects that will help address roadway congestion, safety and the growing demands on our infrastructure. This is great news for commuters, industry and the overall economic health of Texas.”

Among the projects will be more than 800 miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 64 bridge replacements; and 18 lane-widening enhancements that will add 159 miles of passing lanes to rural highways. Houston, Polk, Trinity and San Augustine counties within the Lufkin TxDOT District are slated for construction projects.
 

Many TxDOT districts plan to use money dedicated for maintenance to repair or rehabilitate highways affected by production in the energy sector. The Lufkin District construction projects include reconstructing and adding turn lanes, passing lanes and reconstructing pavement.

“Safety is our top priority and the money we are putting toward enhancing safety in the energy sector is proof of this,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood.

In the past five years, 248 fatalities and more than 23,000 crashes occurred on the highway segments where Proposition 1 projects are located. The work planned in these areas will help reduce the number of crashes, resulting in fewer fatalities and injuries.