In November, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported progress on several transportation projects across the state. The agency focused on expanding mobility options for both drivers and pedestrians while continuing long-term infrastructure improvements in growing communities.
In the Lake Houston area, three reconstructed intersections along FM 1960—Atascocita Road, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Farmingham Road—reopened after nearly four years of phased construction. These intersections now have updated signals and improved traffic flow as part of TxDOT’s two-segment widening project. The $128 million project will expand FM 1960 from four to six lanes, add new sidewalks, raised medians, turn lanes, and upgrade drainage systems. Segment B is expected to finish by Christmas, with Segment A concluding in February. TxDOT advised motorists to remain cautious as final work continues into early 2026.
Central Texas communities Mart and Waco will see new pedestrian infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility for people walking, rolling, and biking:
– In Mart, a $1 million project began December 1 along S. Carpenter Street to build sidewalks, ramps, and marked crosswalks from SH 164 to Lumpkin Street. Completion is expected in early 2026.
– In Waco, a $2.7 million project on Valley Mills Drive will add sidewalks, upgraded curb ramps, and improved pedestrian signals between Bagby Avenue and US 84. Construction is set to run through summer 2026.
Both initiatives support TxDOT’s ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian mobility in areas experiencing population growth.
San Antonio saw two additional flyover ramps open at the Loop 1604/I-10 interchange as part of the North Expansion project. This brings the total number of completed flyovers to seven within eleven months; all eight are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026. When finished, the five-level interchange will feature eight high-speed flyover ramps, new roundabouts at ground level, added turnarounds and sidewalks, expanded main lanes—including a future HOV lane—and collector-distributor roads designed to reduce congestion.
On November 20th, the Federal Transit Administration announced that TxDOT would receive $36 million in grants for transit improvements. The funds will go toward purchasing replacement buses for 26 rural transit agencies serving 193 Texas counties—covering over 73% of the state’s land area—and building a new facility in El Paso.
Separately nationwide:
– The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration awarded nearly $19.6 million in grants to small shipyards across nineteen states through its Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funding supports modernization efforts and expands local employment opportunities for these facilities (https://www.maritime.dot.gov/newsroom/maritime-administration-awards-nearly-20-million-funding-strengthen-us-shipyard-economic).
– To mark the Americans with Disabilities Act’s anniversary, DOT announced winners of its first Inclusive Design Challenge—a competition supporting accessible automated vehicle designs—with awards going to Purdue University ($1 million), AbleLink Smart Living Technologies ($70,000), and University of Maine ($300,000) (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/anniversary-ada-usdot-announces-winners-its-first-ever-inclusive-design-challenge).
– New guidance from USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration released $7.3 billion in formula funding under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states and communities preparing for extreme weather events such as wildfires or flooding (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-administration-announces-new-protect-formula-program-73-billion-bipartisan).
– DOT also advanced its Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative (FLOW), increasing data sharing among supply chain partners aiming to improve movement of goods nationwide (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-supply-chain-companies-collaborate-speed-movement-goods-cut-costs-consumers).
