EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a new 10-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion.
This includes funding for an upgrade to Montana Avenue in far East El Paso.
State Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, said this funding total includes $85 million for Phase 2 of the Montana Avenue project in El Paso.
In a rapidly growing state, this “transformational investment” will help improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen the supply chain, TxDOT said in announcing the plan earlier this week.
“Texas’ booming economy and growing population demand a transportation system that keeps people and products moving safely and efficiently,” Abbott said. “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.”
“Working closely with our transportation partners and incorporating input from Texans, the UTP lays out a path to advance projects across the state,” Texas Transportation Commission Acting Chair Alvin New said. “These investments will improve mobility, enhance connectivity, and make our roads safer for everyone. I want to thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their commitment to funding projects that will connect you with Texas.”
The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program (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.
“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.”
The UTP lays out a plan for project development to enhance safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. The program also includes public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity. Learn more about the program in the UTP Fact Sheet.
Many of the projects in the 2027 UTP are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects funding will increase, supporting the $90.6 billion total investment for completed, under-construction and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. The plan also supports a significant investment in safety and increases funding for rural corridors and key economic hubs, TxDOT said.
“For the El Paso District, the 2027 UTP includes critical funding for the US 62/180 (Montana Avenue) Phase 2 Project,” said El Paso District Engineer Tomas Treviño. “The project, estimated at $182.5 million, received $100.49 million through the UTP and will extend expressway mainlanes and frontage roads from Tierra Este Road to FM 659 (Zaragoza Road). This investment continues the transformation of Montana Avenue into a safer, more efficient transportation corridor.”
Blanco, El Paso’s state senator, added: “This funding is a major win for El Paso and for everyone who has worked for years to move the Montana Avenue project forward. 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.
“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.
“This investment is the result of years of teamwork between our community, local leaders, and the Texas Transportation Commission. I look forward to continuing to work together to get Montana Avenue Phase 2 across the finish line.”
The Texas Transportation Commission adopted the UTP after an extensive process to allow the public to voice comments and opinions on the projects listed in the document, TxDOT said. More information on comments received and the public involvement process can be found at txdot.gov.
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