TxDOT seeks public input on 10-year transportation plan as Texas prepares for continued growth

TxDOT is asking Texans to help shape its 10-year transportation plan, which outlines more than $95 billion in proposed road and infrastructure projects across Texas.

WACO, Texas — As Texas continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, the Texas Department of Transportation is seeking residents’ input to help shape the state’s transportation priorities for the next decade.

TxDOT is accepting public comments on its draft 2027 Unified Transportation Program, or UTP, a long-range planning document that guides transportation projects across Texas over 10 years.

The plan helps prioritize projects and allows TxDOT and its local partners to prepare them for construction as funding becomes available. Officials emphasize that the UTP is not a final construction schedule or a guarantee that projects will be built.

“Whenever we see more growth here in Texas or in Central Texas, we want to deliver projects that serve the travelers in these communities that we are over in the Waco District,” TxDOT spokesperson Jake Smith said.

The draft plan includes major projects in Central Texas, including the proposed widening of Interstate 35 in Belton and a planned truck route around U.S. Highway 281 in Hamilton County.

TxDOT officials say they are seeking feedback on transportation needs that may not be currently included in the plan. Residents are encouraged to comment on issues such as safety, traffic congestion, pavement conditions, roadway capacity and connectivity.

“If you think that your area of town, your community has needs, let us know,” Smith said. “You can go to TxDOT.gov, you can do a phone call, physical mail, and make your voice be heard.”

Smith said the agency received more than 400 public comments statewide during last year’s UTP comment period and hopes to hear from even more Texans this year.

Safety remains the agency’s top priority, Smith said, and public input can help identify areas that may need future improvements.

“Safety is always the number one priority,” Smith said. “If you have any comments about safety concerns for projects to be considered over the next decade, please do so.”

The 2027 Unified Transportation Program proposes more than $95 billion in transportation investments across Texas over the next 10 years.

The public comment period closes at 4 p.m. on Aug. 3. Comments can be submitted online through TxDOT’s website, by phone or by mail.