HEARNE, Texas (KBTX) – A massive 125-mile interstate project that could reshape Central Texas travel for decades is hitting a critical milestone, and state transportation officials are asking local drivers to help draw the final map.
I-14 will span across Central Texas and could impact many.(KBTX)
The Texas Department of Transportation Bryan District has launched its third round of public open houses to present updated, narrower route options for the proposed Interstate 14 Central Texas Corridor. The study aims to upgrade the corridor to interstate standards, stretching from Rogers in Bell County to Huntsville in Walker County, and includes a proposed Loop 214 around Bryan and College Station.
For some local landowners, seeing the updated lines on the map has brought the reality of the multi-decade project straight to their doorsteps.
Using new interactive maps at the meetings, visitors can trace the current one-mile-wide study zone to see exactly where the potential interstate aligns with their properties.
That is how lifelong Hearne resident Judy Werlinger discovered that multiple proposed highway paths run directly over her land.
“My home is actually right over here on 391. And then I’ve got property here right at 79, and I have an RV park on 485, which I understand this may go there in that location,” Werlinger said.
TxDOT officials emphasize that the current routes are not set in stone. Instead, the feedback gathered during this round of public meetings is designed to help engineers minimize negative impacts on local families, businesses, and sensitive sites like cemeteries, solar farms, and wetlands.
“These routes today that we’re showing are intentionally wide because over time, we’re going to continue to narrow them down and reduce the routes to what we call viable routes,” said Juan Quiroz, TxDOT Bryan District Planning Engineer.
While the plans are moving forward, drivers will have plenty of time to prepare. TxDOT officials estimate that the feasibility study has at least three years remaining, and actual groundbreaking on major portions of the interstate is likely 20 years away.
How to Have Your Say
TxDOT is seeking widespread public feedback to help shape the final path. Residents can review the exact same exhibits and interactive maps either in person or online.
Remaining In-Person Open Houses (All sessions run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.):
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026: Yards of Cameron (301 Adams Ave, Cameron, TX)Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026: Legends Event Center (2533 Midtown Pk Blvd, Bryan, TX)Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026: Grimes County Fairgrounds (5220 FM Rd 3455, Navasota, TX)Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026: Walker County Fairgrounds (3925 SH 30 W., Huntsville, TX)Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026: Kimbro Center (111 W Trinity St, Madisonville, TX)
The public comment period closes on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Comments must be received or postmarked by this date to be included in the official record.
For the interactive map where you can leave comments, you can head to TxDOT.gov.
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