Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Commission has approved more than $284.8 million for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that will help improve safety, mobility, access and quality of life for people across the state.
These federal Transportation Alternative funds will go toward 73 projects statewide that will build sidewalks, shared use paths, dedicated bicycle lanes and pedestrian bridges. They will also be used for the development of active transportation plans that will help communities plan for non-motorized connected networks.
“This significant investment will make it safer and more enjoyable for people to walk and bike in their communities while improving access across the state,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn said. “By expanding transportation options, we can build more connected communities and a more connected Texas, while enhancing the quality of life for everyone.”
LOCAL PROJECTS IN THE TXDOT PHARR DISTRICT:
Project Sponsor: City of Harlingen
Project Name: Loop 499 SUP
Phases of work included in award: Construction
Federal Funding Amount: $5,906,000
Project Description: The project will construct approximately 5.5 miles of 12-foot-wide shared use path along the east side of Loop 499 from Business US 77 to E. Harrison Ave. The project also includes widening existing sidewalks and installing solar-powered lights, shade canopies, rest stops, emergency call stations, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety upgrades.
Project Sponsor: Cameron County
Project Name: Santa Maria Sidewalk Improvements Project
Phases of work included in award: Design and Construction
Federal Funding Amount: $4,549,000
Project Description: The project will construct approximately 1.7 miles of 5-foot-wide sidewalk along various roadways in Santa Maria, TX. The project will also install curb and gutter, curb ramps, crosswalks, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, a raised crosswalk, signage, and pavement markings.
Examples of projects statewide include:
• New and upgraded sidewalks
• Shared use paths for biking and walking
• On-street bicycle lanes
• 15 planning studies
• Safety enhancements like school zone upgrades, pedestrian crossings and lighting
More information on all the projects can be found at txdot.gov.
Working to keep vulnerable users safe
While collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists only make up a small percentage of traffic crashes in Texas, they account for 1 in 5 traffic fatalities. All of these projects will provide safer conditions for people who walk or use bicycles or wheelchairs. More specifically, 27 of these projects will improve pedestrian safety in areas identified as potential risks in the Texas Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Twenty-nine of these projects are intended to provide safer routes for children walking and biking to schools.
Funding for these projects comes from the federal Transportation Alternatives program. All award selections come after a competitive call for projects from cities and counties across the state.
