Texas Transportation Commission approves over 160 million dollars for rail projects to improve safety and reduce traffic delays

Austin, Texas – The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a major investment aimed at improving safety and reducing traffic delays across the state, allocating $160.4 million in state funding for rail grade separation projects in several high-traffic areas. The move is expected to address long-standing issues where roadways and rail lines intersect, often creating dangerous conditions and congestion for drivers.

The funding comes through the Off System Rail Grade Separation State Fund Program, a relatively new initiative approved by the Texas Legislature in 2025. The program focuses on helping local governments eliminate at-grade crossings, which are intersections where trains and vehicles share the same path. These crossings are often linked to accidents, delays, and disruptions to emergency services.

Five projects across Amarillo, Houston, Laredo, and San Antonio have been selected through a detailed scoring and review process. These projects aim to separate rail lines from roadways, allowing both to operate independently and more safely.

“By removing any interaction between trains and traffic on the road, we can help save lives, reduce delays and strengthen the economic competitiveness of our communities,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We deeply appreciate the Texas Legislature for establishing and funding the Off System Grade Separation Program. Their leadership and investment make it possible for communities across the state to address long standing rail-roadway conflicts and build safer, more resilient transportation networks.”

Projects target safety and congestion in key regions

Each of the approved projects addresses areas with significant rail activity and traffic flow challenges. In Amarillo, two projects will focus on BNSF railway crossings. The NE 24th Avenue project in Potter County has a total cost of $22.5 million, with $20.3 million covered by state funding. Another project at South Georgia Street in Randall County carries a higher price tag of $70.7 million, supported by $36.7 million in state funds.

In Houston, the Griggs–Long–Mykawa grade separation project stands out as the most expensive, with a total cost of $165.2 million and $40 million coming from the state program. This project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in one of the busiest regions in Texas.

Laredo will receive one of the largest shares of funding, with $58.5 million allocated toward the CPKC Santa Maria Boulevard grade separation project. The total project cost is estimated at $61.6 million, reflecting the importance of this corridor for both local traffic and international trade.

In San Antonio, the UPRR crossing at Zarzamora Street and Frio City Road will undergo improvements as part of a $65.7 million project, supported by $5 million in state funds.

Beyond the direct project funding, the Commission has also set aside an additional $89.6 million as matching funds. These funds are intended to help secure future federal grants, allowing Texas to expand the impact of the program even further. The Commission will decide how to allocate these reserved funds once federal funding decisions are made.

The investment reflects a broader effort to modernize infrastructure in areas where rail and road traffic frequently overlap. By separating these systems, officials aim to reduce the risk of collisions, improve travel times, and ensure that emergency responders can move more quickly when needed.

At the same time, these improvements are expected to support economic growth by making freight transportation more efficient. With fewer delays and safer routes, businesses that rely on rail and roadway systems can operate with greater reliability.

As construction planning begins, communities in the selected areas can expect long-term benefits that go beyond traffic relief. The projects represent a shift toward safer, more efficient transportation systems designed to meet the growing demands of Texas’s expanding population and economy.