Freeway News

Dallas to get billions of dollars for roadway projects in new TxDOT plan

Dallas Mixmaster.

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The state of Texas is investing $142 billion in transportation infrastructure, including $11.5 billion for roadway projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

That $142 billion also includes a $100 billion 10-year statewide roadway construction plan with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The Dallas District projects will include:

Projects along US 380 in Collin County, $288 million, complementing approximately $1 billion previously dedicated to US 380
Reconstruct I-30 Canyon between I-35E and I-45 in Dallas County, $524 million
Reconstruct US 80 in Mesquite between Town East Boulevard and Belt Line Road, including the interchange with I-635 in Dallas County, $220 million
Improvements along the I-35, I-35E, and I-35W corridors in Denton County to include breakout interchanges, new frontage roads, and capacity improvements, $163 million
Projects in Kaufman County, total $263 million, including $25 million to widen portions of Interstate 20 and $101 million to widen SH 205

It's part of the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) proposed by TxDOT, estimated to be $15 billion more than the 2023 UTP, with the State of Texas providing a majority of the funding.

The UTP is a planning document that guides the development of transportation projects across the state.

The $142 billion designated for 2024 will cover development & delivery projects, right of way acquisition, engineering, routine maintenance contracts, and UTP construction funding. We're totally getting a LOT for our money.

And don't think we won't see some ROI: An analysis by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute says the $10 billion-plus average annual investment programmed in the UTP over the next 10 years is expected to bring an estimated $18.8 billion per year in economic benefits which include increased labor income and business output, as well as the addition of 70,500 direct and indirect jobs.

Gotta spend some to make some.

Many of the projects in this plan are roadway segments identified on Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways list.

Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects will see an increase in funding, supporting $66.7 billion total investment for completed, under-construction, and planned non-tolled projects since 2015.

Funding for rural projects also increased to $19.2 billion, up from $2.2 billion in the 2016 UTP.

Projects are selected by TxDOT and local transportation leaders based on effectiveness in addressing criteria such as safety, pavement condition, capacity, and rural connectivity, with opportunities for public input at the both the state and local levels.

Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

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