EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso’s long-awaited Montana Avenue project is moving closer to construction after state transportation leaders approved major funding for its next phase.

Sen. César J. Blanco announced on Wednesday that the Texas Transportation Commission has approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), including $85 million in Category 12 funding for Phase 2 of the Montana Avenue project in El Paso.

The Montana Ave. Phase 2 Project aims to transform part of Montana Avenue into an expressway with frontage roads and pedestrian improvements, including sidewalks.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation of El Paso, the project is estimated to cost $182.5 million and has received $100 million of that in funding.

Blanco said Wednesday’s $85 million investment accounts for more than half of the project’s total cost and is expected to help move Phase 2 toward construction.

“This funding is a major win for El Paso and for everyone who has worked for years to move the Montana Avenue project forward,” Blanco said. “This project will improve mobility, help address congestion, and provide a safer, more reliable connection for the families, workers, and businesses that rely on this corridor every day.”

He added, “We’ve watched this project take shape over the years, and we know how much work and investment it takes to move a project of this size forward. This $85 million investment puts us in a much stronger position to complete Phase 2 and deliver infrastructure that El Paso has been asking for and needs.“

According to TxDOT, the $85 million is part of a broader plan across the state, with TxDOT announcing a new 10-year transportation plan for the state with a total projected investment of $138 billion.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 UTP in its August meeting, which includes $95 billion for projects across the state over the next 10 years. The investment is supported by an additional $43 billion in development and routine maintenance.

TxDOT and Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the investment will help improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the supply chain.

“Texas’ booming economy and growing population demand a transportation system that keeps people and products moving safely and efficiently,” said Governor Abbott. “This $138 billion investment will strengthen our roadways, reduce congestion, improve safety, and support growing communities across Texas. By investing in critical infrastructure today, we are building a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”

According to TXDOT, the program also includes public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade, and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.

“This 10-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas’ transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “It is focused on practical outcomes—improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods. With continued attention to project delivery, stewardship and long-term performance, these investments help position TxDOT to meet today’s demands while planning responsibly for the future.”

RECOMMENDED: TxDOT road closures happening between August 22 and August 30

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