TxDOT press release
In support of efforts to enhance safety and reduce congestion across the Lone Star State, the Texas Transportation Commission recently approved $90 million for projects on US 175, SH 31 and US 69 in the Tyler District to be included in the Unified Transportation Program (UTP), a 10-year plan to guide and fund transportation project development in the state. This action is part of an ongoing process and commitment from the Texas Department of Transportation to act upon requests from the legislature, community leaders, public and local transit authorities to identify those projects that will improve mobility across Texas.
“These are much-needed projects that will benefit all East Texans,” said Commissioner Jeff Austin III, Texas Transportation Commission. “These upgrades will have a tremendous impact on the region as they improve safety and mobility, while helping spur economic development opportunities. It was a good decision to prioritize these projects and I’m glad they are moving forward.”
Approximately $70 million of this funding will go toward the expansion of US 175 between Baxter and Poynor in Henderson County, while an additional $10 million has been approved for adding passing lanes to SH 31 between FM 757 in Smith County and FM 1639 in Kilgore, Gregg County. In addition, another $10 million was allocated for the reconstruction and four-lane widening of US 69 in Wells, Cherokee County.
These projects represent the Commission’s priorities for the UTP and will be included in future updates to this plan based on updated financial forecasts. The projects will also be subject to further public involvement.