Why does it take so long to build a state-operated road?

The Texas Department of Transportation undergoes a rigorous process to determine whether to build a state roadway and how it would look.

TxDOT creates a concept, develops the scope and consults the region’s long-range transportation plan, TxDOT officials said.

TxDOT staffers then gather data on travel times, crashes, population and employment to help create a purpose and need. Community input is also incorporated.

Based on the purpose and need, TxDOT will create several concepts and ask the public to review them. TxDOT will use the input and additional data to refine the concepts.

TxDOT will also identify environmental issues, collect data and assess constructability. The refined proposal is taken back to the public for review.

TxDOT officials said they will make an environmental decision on the roadway’s effect on the environment before completing the final design and identifying a funding source.

Once a project has funding, it is placed on TxDOT’s 24-month letting schedule in which contractors bid on projects. The final step is issuing a notice to begin construction.