13-15. Attachment N - Texas Transportation Plan 2050 .pdf

Connecting Texas 2050 Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan

Adoption Date: July 30, 2024

Connecting Texas 2050 Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan ii

July 30, 2024 Dear fellow Texans, On behalf of the Texas Transportation Commission, we are pleased to present Connecting Texas 2050, TxDOT’s new statewide long-range transportation plan. Connecting Texas 2050 establishes the vision, objectives, performance measures, and strategic recommendations for Texas’ multimodal transportation system through 2050. It integrates numerous planning efforts conducted by TxDOT and its partners and serves as the cornerstone transportation planning document for the agency.

Connecting Texas 2050 identifies three key performance goals: Safety, Preservation, and Mobility, along with three strategic goals: Connectivity, Economic Vitality, and Stewardship. Among these, Safety is of utmost importance and requires a commitment and contribution from all of us. This includes agencies responsible for building and maintaining safe transportation facilities, law enforcement responsible for ensuring traffic safety laws and regulations are followed, and all system users who have a responsibility to obey those laws and use our state’s infrastructure without distraction or otherwise compromising safety. Together, we will strive to make Texas’ transportation system one of the safest in the nation.

Texas is growing rapidly with a population projected to exceed 40 million and freight tonnage expected to exceed 8 billion tons per year by 2050. To meet the needs and demands of the diversifying population and businesses across Texas, we must be good stewards and ensure that we maintain our current transportation assets while strategically leveraging technology and investing to increase access to safe, reliable, and connected transportation facilities and services statewide.

We must continue to optimize current and future funding sources and investments that will be needed to achieve Connecting Texas 2050’s goals in the coming years.

Connecting Texas 2050 is the result of a robust partnership with TxDOT’s key planning partners and stakeholders, including local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transit agencies, advisory committees, federal agencies, and thousands of Texans who contributed to the successful process. Thank you to everyone who participated, especially those who attended open houses, completed surveys, and submitted comments. Through your efforts, Connecting Texas 2050 is presented as our shared vision for the future of transportation in Texas.

Regards, Marc D. Williams, P.E.

Executive Director

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan iii

Contents

4. Trends and Scenarios

Trends Overview Population Growth Demographics Economy Movement of People Movement of Goods Land Use and Development Resilience and Sustainability Technology and Innovation Scenario Planning

5. Measures and System Performance Performance Measures Safety Asset Condition Mobility and Reliability

6. Multimodal Transportation Needs Aligning Multimodal Needs with Goals

1. Introduction About Connecting Texas 2050 What Are Our Challenges?

What Are Our Opportunities?

How to Use the Plan?

How Do Plans Integrate?

Public and Stakeholder Involvement

2. Purpose, Goals, and Objectives Purpose of the Plan Performance-Based Planning Goals and Objectives Compliance with Federal Requirements

3. Texas Transportation System Texas Transportation System TxDOT Roles and Responsibilities Corridors of Statewide Significance Future Interstates Modal Corridors Texas Trunk System

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan iv

7. Recommended Strategies Strategy Development

8. Transportation Investment Overview The Need for Funding Analysis Transportation Funding Sources Funding Levels Funding Uses Unified Transportation Program Recommendations and Strategies PLAN Authority High-level Corridors of Statewide Significance Investment Outlook

9. Connecting Texas to the Future Catalysts for Implementation

References

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan v

Acronyms

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan vi

Connecting Texas 2050 Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan

Connecting Texas 2050 is the highest-level strategic policy document for transportation in the state of Texas. It sets the direction for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) planning efforts and programming investments across the state over the next 25 years.

Introduction

2 1. IntroductionConnecting Texas 2050 Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan

1 Introduction

About Connecting Texas 2050 Transportation is vital to the state, regional, and global economies as the ability to move people and goods safely, efficiently, and reliably is critical to meeting the daily needs of Texas businesses and residents and to supporting the state’s economic prosperity. Whether you bike to work, take the bus to a medical appointment, walk your kids to school, or travel across the state to enjoy skylines, coastal beaches, and wide-open prairies, transportation choices are an integral part of every Texan’s daily life.

Texas has one of the most robust, multimodal transportation systems in this country. This system comprises extensive roadways, bridges, railroads, public transit systems, sidewalks and bikeways, airports, seaports and waterways, and border crossings, connecting communities and the economy. A forward-looking and innovative approach is critical to delivering transportation investments that preserve existing transportation assets while enhancing transportation options that will accommodate the current 30 million Texans and 13 million jobs, in addition to the more than 11 million new residents and six million new jobs projected by 2050.

This is where Connecting Texas 2050, the state’s long-range transportation plan (SLRTP), comes into play. Connecting Texas 2050 provides an overview of the state’s transportation system for all modes, details the challenges and opportunities Texans face with the system, and identifies strategic recommendations to address those challenges in a manner that integrates efforts across all modes.

Reinforces TxDOT’s efforts to improve safety for the traveling public and for all modes of freight, including efforts to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes on Texas roadways.

Promotes the preservation of vital infrastructure and services, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, transit fleet and facilities, railways, airports, seaports, and border crossings.

Encourages more efficient, resilient, and reliable travel options to enhance mobility for the traveling public and freight across all modes.

Improves connectivity between all modes and all geographic areas, including urban areas, rural areas, and border regions.

Promotes stewardship that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, maintains funding, minimizes negative natural and cultural impacts, and improves the overall project delivery process.

Strengthens economic vitality by investing in the modernization of aging transportation infrastructure, leveraging innovative and technology-oriented solutions, expanding system capacity to accommodate growing freight demand, and promoting job creation.

The plan:

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction3

What Are Our Challenges?

Reducing fatal and severe injury crashes: The last day without a death on Texas roadways was November 7, 2000. Since that day, more than 75,000 people have died in crashes on Texas roadways. In 2023, Texas experienced a 6% increase in the total annual number of fatal crashes compared to the 5-year average between 2018 and 2022.[1] Trends in fatal and serious injury crashes are also rising for vulnerable road users (VRUs) in Texas. The highest priority for TxDOT is to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes on Texas roadways and make the transportation system safer for all users.

Managing growing demand and changing demographics: Rapidly growing population and economic activity are predicted to result in a 42% increase in total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Texas by 2050.[2] Urban and rural areas will face challenges offering safe, affordable, and reliable methods of transportation that support this growth. Changing demographics and generational shifts add to the challenges of providing a multimodal transportation system that meets everyone's needs.

Preserving and strengthening existing transportation assets: Texas has the largest network of transportation assets in the country, with over 50% more roadway lane miles than the state with the second largest network.[3] Preserving and maintaining the transportation system becomes more challenging as traffic volumes increase, asset inventories increase, and infrastructure ages, and considering extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense.

Addressing lack of connectivity and mode choices: Statewide and regional connections are a key challenge the public and stakeholders identified, given Texas' vast size and the diversity of the connection needs across the state. Challenges include gaps in effective mode integration, due to siloed modal approaches, and limited transportation options and access to various modal services, which negatively affect access to jobs, education, essential services, and recreational activities.

Supporting goods movement and resilient supply chains: The Texas freight network plays a vital role in supporting the state's supply chain, with key industries relying on its safe and reliable transportation services to keep business operations running smoothly. Texas freight volume across all modes is forecasted to double by 2050. Nearshoring trends in manufacturing have the potential to significantly increase the forecasted volume of freight crossing the Texas- Mexico border.

Navigating the uncertainties of transportation technology integration: New transportation technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), are anticipated to have a variety of positive and potentially disruptive impacts throughout the transportation systems. The use of zero- and low-emission vehicles has gained momentum. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles estimates that Texas would reach 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2031, which quadruples the total number of EVs registered in Texas as of 2023.[4] Policy and funding considerations will need to be addressed to maximize these new technologies' benefits.

To prepare for the future of transportation in Texas, it is imperative to recognize the challenges our state faces at the local, regional, and statewide levels and to devise strategies to overcome them. The Connecting Texas 2050 planning process entailed soliciting input from internal stakeholders, external stakeholders, partner agencies, and the public, to establish a framework that identifies the pressing transportation challenges Texans face.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction4

What Are Our Opportunities?

Leveraging technology and innovation: Statewide efforts are underway to prepare for emerging transportation technologies, such as CAVs, and to support EV adoption, including investing in EV infrastructure. TxDOT’s Cooperative and Automated Transportation (CAT) program consists of over 50 initiatives to integrate CAT technologies across the department.[5] There is opportunity to leverage smart infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and freight logistics technologies over the coming years.

Strengthening collaboration and partnerships: A close working relationship with agencies, organizations, communities, and private industries will foster the cooperation and coordination essential to implement this plan.

Expanding TxDOT’s continuous, comprehensive, and cooperative multimodal planning process will help to ensure that transportation planning and programming efforts align with community needs and support the state’s growth.

Supporting economic competitiveness: The state’s employment is projected to grow by 50% to nearly 20 million jobs by 2050.[6] Freight value is projected to increase 151% by 2050.[7] Transportation investments should be prioritized to align with projected growth. Border and seaport infrastructure must be positioned to capitalize on the incredible opportunities brought by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other global trade relations.

Optimizing multimodal transportation funding: Multimodal transportation infrastructure provides a range of benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality and public health, and diversified transportation choices that lead to a more resilient system. The Texas Legislature provided general revenue funds to assist in providing additional multimodal funding to high-priority, non-roadway projects, such as the Port Capital Investment, Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund, Aviation Facility Grants, and funding to sustain state transit program per capita funding levels.[8]

Promoting education and training: Continuing education for the transportation community at the state, regional, and local levels is critical to developing a workforce with the skills needed to design, operate, and maintain a safe and efficient transportation system. Communicating with the public, stakeholders, and businesses about mobility issues, emerging technologies, resilience, and the multimodal transportation system’s role can facilitate meaningful public participation.

Developing the long-range planning cycle: Connecting Texas 2050, in coordination with plans, programs, and initiatives across the agency, sets the stage for short-term and long-term strategies and activities, building pathways for implementation. Performance accountability helps deliver a better performing transportation system that supports connected and productive communities. TxDOT is committed to enhancing project planning, design and engineering, and efficient project delivery to ensure future investments address the unique and diverse transportation needs and challenges across the state.

As we endeavor to adapt our transportation system to meet the challenges that lie ahead, numerous opportunities demand our attention.

TxDOT divisions and districts, together with several advisory committees comprising industry experts, external partner agencies, and the public collaborated to identify the most promising opportunities to address these challenges. These opportunities, if harnessed effectively, have the potential to enhance Texas’ ability to address stakeholder priorities.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction5

How to Use the Plan?

Connecting Texas 2050 defines the long-term transportation vision, goals, and objectives (Chapter 2), describes the multimodal transportation system (Chapter 3), describes the key trends, system performance, and needs of the state transportation system (Chapter 4, Chapter 5, and Chapter 6), and identifies the actions to be taken between now and 2050 to successfully achieve our goals and maximize opportunities (Chapter 7, Chapter 8, and Chapter 9). Connecting Texas 2050 readers can expect the plan to provide opportunities for:

For further information, and the full range of technical analysis conducted for Connecting Texas 2050, please see the Connecting Texas 2050 project website: Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (txdot.gov). Technical reports available on the website include:

» TxDOT Leadership and State Officials: Exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities for Texas’ future transportation system and identifying policy implications.

» TxDOT Divisions and Districts: Understanding how statewide strategic planning connects with other plans and programs and providing a common focus on long-range (beyond 10 years) needs, recommendations, and statewide priorities.

» External Partner Agencies: Aligning their plans and projects to statewide goals and recommendations and considering the long-range implications explored in the scenario planning component.

» Public: Understanding how transportation affects communities and the economy and future opportunities for transportation to better connect people.

» Industry: Learning about opportunities TxDOT is envisioning to better connect industries across Texas and with the global economy.

» Planning Context

» Goals, Objectives, and Measures

» Trends and Planning Implications

» Needs Identification

» Priority Corridor Performance Identification and Analysis

» Scenario Planning

» Funding Analysis

» Strategy Development

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction6

How Do Plans Integrate?

Connecting Texas 2050 is TxDOT's cornerstone multimodal transportation planning document. Figure 1 illustrates the connection between Connecting Texas 2050 and other TxDOT planning efforts.

Figure 1: TxDOT Family of Plans

5 yr. Agency Strategic Plan10 yr. Unified Transportation Program & 4 yr. Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

Connecting Texas 2050

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan

(25 yr. outlook)Moving people

• Statewide Active Transportation Plan*

• Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan*

Moving people and goods

• Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

• Cooperative Automated Transportation Plan

• Transportation Asset Management Plan

• Strategic Highway Safety Plan

• Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan

• Metropolitan Transportation Plans

Moving goods

• Texas Freight Mobility Plan

• Freight Network Tech/Ops Plan

• Truck Parking Plans

• Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Report

• Texas Airport System Plan

• Texas Statewide Rail Plan

• Texas Port Mission Plan

• Corridor Plans and Studies

• Carbon Reduction Strategy

• Statewide Resiliency Plan*

• Enterprise Technology Plan*

*To be developed or in development

» The SLRTP aligns with TxDOT’s Agency Strategic Plan and other federally required performance-based plans (e.g., Strategic Highway Safety Plan [SHSP] and Transportation Asset Management Plan [TAMP]).

» TxDOT’s planning and programming activities, such as the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), link goals, measures, and targets of the SLRTP with specific projects as they move through the development and implementation process.

» The SLRTP builds on ongoing planning efforts, including TxDOT's Texas Freight Mobility Plan, Texas Port Mission Plan, Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan, Texas Airport System Plan, Texas Statewide Rail Plan, Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan, and Statewide Active Transportation Plan, as well as Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTPs) developed by partner agencies.

» The SLRTP serves as a reference point for future updates to agency plans and studies regarding demographics, transportation trends and issues, economics, technology, resilience, and sustainability.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction7

March 2023

Texas Department of Transportation

2022 Transportation Asset Management Plan

June 2022

TTEEXXAASS FFRREEIIGGHHTT NNEETTWWOORRKK TTEECCHHNNOOLLOOGGYY

AANNDD OOPPEERRAATTIIOONNSS PPLLAANN

DECEMBER 2020

PORT AUTHORITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2024-2025

TEXAS PORT

MISSION PLAN

88TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

Version 0.77 – September 29, 2023

DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E223186-287E-4240-9774-FABBE2523759

Texas Airport System Plan

Update 2010

T E X A S D E P A R T M E N T O F T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan 2021

Plan Maestro de Transporte Fronterizo Dos Mil Veintuino

Final Report March 19, 2021

CHAPTERS

TEXAS

RAIL PLAN

December 2019

COOPERATIVE AUTOMATED

TRANSPORTATION

STRATEGIC PLAN

JJuullyy 20222

DocuSign Envelope ID: 359B2F5A-D82D-4F55-8429-D203EF412506

As the guiding document for statewide and regional transportation planning, Connecting Texas 2050 builds on previously adopted plans. In addition, TxDOT has worked to closely align the plans that are currently being developed with Connecting Texas 2050, including the Statewide Resiliency Plan, Statewide Active Transportation Plan, and Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan, ensuring a unified vision for Texas’ multimodal transportation system through 2050.

Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan Provides an assessment of data trends and crash analysis, and modifications of strategies and targets to improve safety in the state.

Traffic Safety Division

Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Describes a multi-year plan to enable current and future drivers of EVs to confidently travel across the state for work, recreation, and exploration.

TPP Division and Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division

Transportation Asset Management Plan Provides a framework to improve and preserve the condition of pavement, bridges, and system performance in the state.

Maintenance Division

Texas Delivers 2050: Texas Freight Mobility Plan Outlines the goals for freight mobility, assesses economic impacts, and identifies key trends, needs, and challenges in the freight industry.

Transportation Planning and Programming (TPP) Division and Texas Freight Advisory Committee

Freight Network Technology and Operations Plan Expands on the 2018 Freight Mobility Plan goals and proposes strategies for technology and operations investments on the Texas Multimodal Freight Network

(TMFN).

TPP Division and Texas Freight Advisory Committee

Texas Port Mission Plan Identifies important port projects for investment, incorporates maritime interests into TxDOT planning, and promotes Texas ports for economic development.

Maritime Division and Port Authority Advisory Committee

Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan Outlines current and future cross-border transportation needs, challenges, opportunities, and investment strategies to boost the state’s trade competitiveness.

TPP Division and Border Trade Advisory Committee

Texas Airport System Plan Aims to improve access to air mobility options and ensure timely development and maintenance of the airport system.

Aviation Division

Texas Statewide Rail Plan Describes the state’s vision for rail and identifies opportunities for future improvement.

Rail Division

Cooperative Automated Transportation Strategic Plan Provides a framework to prepare TxDOT for emerging cooperative and automated transportation (CAT) technologies, maximize benefits of CAT, and position TxDOT as a national leader in CAT technologies and innovation.

Traffic Safety Division and Connected and Automated Vehicles Task Force; Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division is leading the CAT Program implementation

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction8

Public and Stakeholder Involvement Public and stakeholder involvement was crucial to developing Connecting Texas 2050. By engaging the public and stakeholders, TxDOT ensured that the SLRTP reflects the needs and priorities of the state's diverse communities. In the spring of 2023, TxDOT focused on gathering input from the public and stakeholders to understand transportation needs and challenges in different regions. In the fall of 2023, TxDOT shifted its focus to gathering public and stakeholder feedback to prioritize strategies to fulfill the identified needs. Further detail on public and stakeholder input can be found in the Public and Stakeholder Involvement Technical Report.

Who is involved?

Public Public meeting held in all districts, final plan comment period and public hearing

TxDOT Districts

Provide expertise on district-level needs and challenges

Texas Transportation

Commission Formally adopts the SLRTP

TxDOT Divisions Provide expertise on specialized subject matters, such as modal programs, design, maintenance, and traffic safety

TxDOT Advisory Committees

Provide advice and recommendations on transportation policies and projects

External Partners Metropolitan Planning Organizations, transit agencies, tolling authorities, counties, cities, regional mobility authorities, academic institutions, airports, federal partners, and tribes

Joint Executive Steering Committee Consists of the existing advisory committee chairs and provides guidance during plan development

TxDOT Administration

TxDOT leaders who provide policy direction and oversee all department efforts, including the

SLRTP

What We Heard from the Public:

» Texans desire safer, accessible, and affordable transportation options, with emphasis on enhancing public transit for aging and low-income populations.

» Texans are concerned about the environment, including extreme weather, air quality, traffic noise, and animal crossings.

» Texans advocated for proactive planning to accommodate future growth, maintain roadways, relieve congestion, enhance active transportation, improve public health, and prepare for emerging technologies such as EVs.

Public feedback was also collected through a statewide statistically valid Transportation Visioning Survey. The survey asked a randomly selected representative sample of over 4,500 residents to consider the state’s transportation system needs through the year 2050, and it sought to understand attitudes towards various transportation topics. The findings from the survey helped identify Texans’ needs, challenges, and priorities.

Key findings include:

» 82% of respondents believe it is critically important or very important to promote safety for the traveling public. Nearly 79% of respondents said it is critically important or very important to improve the existing highway/roadway network.

» Respondents indicated that future transportation funding should be greater for all transportation modes, with highway and freight receiving the top priority. Nearly 31% of respondents indicated that at least 20% or more of the state transportation budget should be allocated to passenger/commuter rail service.

» 58% of respondents stated they expect increased or significantly increased home delivery in the future, likely resulting in increased traffic levels.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 1. Introduction9

TxDOT Advisory Committees represent a wide range of interests, including bicycle/ pedestrian, border trade, freight, advanced air mobility, ports, public transportation, CAVs, and even specific corridors, such as I-27. Advisory Committees were consulted throughout the Connecting Texas 2050 development process to gather input and recommendations on specific transportation topics. Connecting Texas 2050's Joint Executive Steering Committee, which comprises the committee chairs of each Advisory Committee, provided strategic and collaborative direction throughout the planning process.

What We Heard from the Joint Executive Steering Committee and TxDOT Advisory Committees:

» Leverage autonomous vehicle (AV) technology to remove human error. AV adoption requires education for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

» Infrastructure design and speed management should prioritize safety, including the separation of different types of traffic.

» Preservation of infrastructure is a focus, with an emphasis on improving maintenance and ensuring the resiliency of the transportation network.

» Provide diverse transit options, maximize efficiency through technology and innovation, and eliminate gaps in transportation system.

» Address the unique needs of both urban and rural areas.

» Enhance connectivity to avoid congestion, including first-mile/last-mile segments, and improve connectivity for rural areas to ensure access to jobs, healthcare, services, and recreational activities. Freight generators need to be connected to different modes of transportation and barriers to crossings need to be mitigated.

» Stewardship in transportation involves strategically leveraging funds, maintaining infrastructure, utilizing data-driven decision-making, and focusing on performance measures to achieve success and demonstrate value.

External partner agencies and TxDOT districts and divisions offered feedback and guidance through virtual and in-person meetings during the spring and fall outreach. They provided localized expertise and input on various transportation-related topics, helped identify needs, and shaped strategies based on their specific areas of focus.

What We Heard from the External Partner Agencies, TxDOT Districts, and Divisions:

» Integrate transportation planning with economic development and land use planning.

» Provide safe and reliable public transit options and last-mile connectivity.

» Address freight congestion, safety, and the shortage of truck parking.

» Reduce uncertainty about EVs, develop designated EV corridors, and prepare for EV trucks.

» Advance density-oriented approaches for urban areas.

» Leverage emerging technology and infrastructure for multimodal transportation and safety.

» Improve resiliency to address flooding, extreme weather, and sea level rise.

» Develop district-level plans, particularly in rural areas outside of Metropolitan Planning Organization boundaries.

» Incorporate scenario planning into the transportation planning process, especially in urban areas.

» Identify additional funding opportunities.

» Acquire right-of-way and obtain environmental clearance early.

» Continue to facilitate the growth of broadband capacity.

This chapter defines the long-range transportation vision, goals, and objectives that set the direction for the state’s multimodal transportation system over the next 25 years.

Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

11 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

2 Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Purpose of the Plan Connecting Texas 2050 is TxDOT’s latest update to the SLRTP and serves as the highest-level strategic policy plan for transportation in Texas. It includes strategic recommendations to address safety, preservation, mobility, reliability, and resilience of the state’s transportation system and provides guidance for investments to meet current and future needs for the movement of people and goods across the state.

Connecting Texas 2050:

» Considers current and future transportation choices for the movement of people and goods.

» Evaluates integration of all modes to serve Texans and our economy.

» Includes input from data analysis, public and stakeholder input, and other planning efforts.

Performance-Based Planning TxDOT’s performance-based planning and programming process begins with the SLRTP. To ensure that Connecting Texas 2050's vision is achieved, TxDOT revisited the core elements that underpin the agency’s mission and vision, which include goals and objectives. Through consideration of federal and state planning requirements, a review of multimodal transportation plans, and extensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement, TxDOT identified six long-range goals to reflect priorities and address needs across the state between now and 2050. Each goal includes objectives to establish specific strategies that TxDOT can lead or support to achieve that goal.

The goals and objectives established in the SLRTP drive project prioritization and investment decisions in TxDOT’s UTP, which guides the programming and development of transportation projects across the state over a 10-year timeframe. Performance measures help to track progress towards meeting the plan's goals and objectives, ensuring that TxDOT is on track to achieve its vision for the Texas transportation system by 2050. TxDOT is committed to ongoing performance reporting with established performance measures, and it will continue to assess and refine performance measures and targets through implementation activities.

Connecting Texas 2050 Vision

Create an innovative multimodal transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and freight and supports future growth.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2. Purpose, Goals, and Objectives12

Safety Plan, build, and maintain a safe and secure transportation system for all users.

Preservation Maintain and preserve transportation infrastructure and resources to achieve a state of good repair and mitigate asset deterioration.

Mobility Address congestion by improving efficiency, resilience, and reliability.

Connectivity Improve multimodal and intermodal connectivity at the local, regional, statewide, national, and international level.

Economic Vitality Develop transportation systems that support the movement of people and goods to enhance quality of life and promote personal and statewide economic growth.

Stewardship Continue the responsible and efficient use of federal, state, and local fiscal and natural resources.

Goals and Objectives Connecting Texas 2050 identifies six goals that set the foundation for meeting, supporting, and delivering on TxDOT’s mission and vision for transportation across the state. The goals identified for Connecting Texas 2050 are either performance or strategic goals. Performance goals identify specific tasks to ensure a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation system. Strategic goals guide organizational decision-making and provide overall direction to develop a well-connected and future-focused transportation system.

Performance Strategic

13 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Safety Plan, build, and maintain a safe and secure transportation system for all users.

In 2023, an average of 11 people died daily and nearly 42 people per day were suspected to have sustained serious injuries in crashes on Texas roads, making improved safety across the state critically important. Safely moving people and goods is the top priority for TxDOT, which aims to reduce roadway hazards and resulting impacts, including crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. The safety focus extends to railway, aviation, public transportation, active transportation, and maritime as well. TxDOT safety campaigns, such as the #EndTheStreakTX, target bicycle safety, pedestrian safety, work zone safety, drunk driving, and other focus areas.

Addressing unique safety concerns and hazards for all transportation modes consists of applying a multi-faceted, innovative, technology-enabled inclusive approach to planning, design, construction, maintenance, oversight, management, and operation of the transportation system, as well as coordination with emergency response agencies to improve post-crash care. Prioritizing safety, including understanding the safety implications of emerging technologies, will improve quality of life for all Texans and support TxDOT in reducing fatal and severe injury crashes on Texas roadways.

Improving security is an important element to ensure the safe and reliable management and operation of Texas' transportation system. Security encompasses a variety of facets across the transportation system, including physical security, cybersecurity, and securing access for emergency services to reach the areas where they are needed. This includes protection against and mitigating the risk from natural disruptions (such as extreme weather) and humanmade disruptions (such as border shutdowns) that can interrupt the management, operation, and safe use of the transportation system, as well as emergency evacuation and recovery.

» Reduce the frequency of crashes and associated impacts for all modes.

» Eliminate fatalities and reduce serious injuries on the roadway system.

» Improve safety for all users of the transportation system, including VRUs.

» Strengthen the security of physical and digital transportation assets.

» Improve incident identification and response.

14 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Preservation Maintain and preserve transportation infrastructure and resources to achieve a state of good repair and mitigate asset deterioration.

The state’s transportation system, which includes roads, bridges, sidewalks, transit fleet and facilities, rail, airports, ports and navigable waterways, pipelines, and other assets, plays an important role in moving people and goods statewide, nationally, and internationally. The preservation of infrastructure, including physical assets and the key functions of corridors, is crucial to maintaining a sustainable and functional transportation system.

As of 2022, less than 5% of TxDOT-owned pavements and about 1% of TxDOT-owned bridges are in poor condition.[9] By adequately investing in preservation and improving asset management, maintenance, and rehabilitation techniques, pavements and bridges will remain in good condition while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Preservation also requires optimizing transportation management and operations. This includes improving traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and other technologies to enhance efficiency and safety.

Maintaining a state of good repair and improving performance are also critical to preservation. Additionally, modernizing freight infrastructure such as rail, airports, seaports, and pipelines is essential to supporting the seamless movement of goods and promoting economic growth.

Well-maintained infrastructure improves reliability, reduces social, economic, and environmental impacts, and fosters a sustainable transportation system.

TxDOT will take a central role in preserving TxDOT-owned assets, while also assisting with maintaining transportation infrastructure owned and operated by partner agencies.

» Preserve the integrity and longevity of pavement and bridges to maintain a state of good repair.

» Invest in multimodal assets preservation, maintenance, and replacement.

» Optimize transportation system management and operations

(TSMO).

» Maintain transportation assets in the most cost-effective manner.

» Enhance resiliency to natural and humanmade risks, both physical and digital.

15 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Mobility Address congestion by improving efficiency, resilience, and reliability.

The population of Texas is expected to grow by 39% by 2050, expanding by over 11 million people.[10] Ensuring mobility through 2050 is critical to providing an efficient, resilient, and reliable transportation system.

Increasing the efficiency of the transportation system using technology-driven and innovative strategies will allow businesses to operate more effectively, resulting in transportation cost savings. Ensuring a resilient transportation system will support the movement of both people and goods by mitigating physical and cyber risks, ultimately reducing travel delays and hazards on the road.

A reliable transportation system is critical for mobility across Texas as it improves the overall experience for users and fosters economic development for businesses. The Texas Delivers 2050: Texas Freight Mobility Plan identifies travel time reliability, including border crossings, as a challenge.

Improving travel time reliability includes leveraging ITS and other technologies, such as truck parking availability systems, rail crossing traffic management systems, and smart freight connectors.

This goal will strategically address congestion in all areas — urban, rural, border regions, and emerging megaregions. Improving mobility requires a multimodal approach that serves the needs of all Texans and includes investments in infrastructure, technology, and alternative transportation options. By prioritizing mobility, the Texas transportation system will meet the needs of the state’s growing population and economy now and into the future.

» Mitigate congestion and enable reliable travel times.

» Ensure the efficient movement of goods and support a resilient supply chain.

» Increase system redundancy.

» Improve cross-border travel time reliability.

16 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Connectivity Improve multimodal and intermodal connectivity at the local, regional, statewide, national, and international level.

Improved connectivity will enhance safety and increase accessibility to essential services, such as jobs, schools, and healthcare. This is particularly important for rural regions that have limited access to alternative transportation options such as public transportation or airports. Well-connected sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails will encourage the use of active transportation options, resulting in reduced traffic congestion and improved sustainability.

The mobility and reliability of freight movements depend on first-mile/last-mile connections, which refer to the need to efficiently move freight between mainline transportation corridors and local origins or destinations, including manufacturing plants, warehouse/distribution centers, and other freight generators. Connectivity to key intermodal transfer points is critical for every supply chain.

Enhancing connectivity to and from border crossings and border regions is also crucial to facilitate the international movement of people and goods. The Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan states that the demand on the Texas-Mexico transportation network has outpaced capacity, indicating a need for improved connectivity to roadways and other modes.

Overall, enhanced connectivity will boost economic growth, improve quality of life, promote sustainability, and create new opportunities for Texans and businesses. The use of technology and innovative strategies will be encouraged to support these efforts.

» Increase statewide, regional, and local connections that are inclusive and accessible to all, including urban, rural, and border connections.

» Increase modal options to enhance alternative transportation.

» Improve freight network connectivity, including intermodal connections; connectivity between urban and rural areas, and global markets; and access to freight facilities and markets.

» Modernize infrastructure to support the implementation of emerging transportation technologies.

17 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Economic Vitality Develop transportation systems that support the movement of people and goods to enhance quality of life and promote personal and statewide economic growth.

Texas has one of the largest populations and robust economies in the United States. Texas had the fastest Gross State Product (GSP) growth in the nation for the fourth quarter of 2022 with a 7% annual growth rate.[11] It is essential to continue to invest in a multimodal transportation system to remain competitive through 2050.

Strengthening economic competitiveness relies on ensuring that the multimodal freight network is connected and efficient. This requires investing in the modernization of aging transportation infrastructure, supporting resilient supply chains, leveraging technology-oriented solutions, expanding system capacity to accommodate growing freight demand, and connecting Texas to the global trade market.

Public transit and active transportation have been shown to deliver economic benefits to society as well as to individuals. The Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails (BTT) Study emphasizes that constructing bike tourism trails will boost economic development by supporting transit-oriented development, tourism-related spending, and bicycle retail and manufacturing. Reliable transit and a robust bicycle network provide an alternative mode to connect Texans to businesses and regional attractions, and to connect all communities across the state.

A safe, connected, and efficient transportation system is critical for Texas to remain economically competitive and to better serve the needs of all Texans and businesses. This goal will improve quality of life for residents and visitors while fostering economic development, both personal and statewide.

» Expand and modernize transportation assets to spur economic growth.

» Increase access to and support opportunities for jobs, services, and activity centers.

» Promote workforce training to support a growing economy and emerging industries.

» Ensure the state's multimodal transportation system is supportive of all users, including tourism and leisure travel.

» Align with key economic initiatives of the state of Texas.

18 2. Purpose, Goals, and ObjectivesConnecting Texas 2050

Stewardship Continue the responsible and efficient use of federal, state, and local fiscal and natural resources.

Maintaining transportation infrastructure and building for future needs requires significant resources, including funding for construction, maintenance, repairs, and services. The 2024 UTP explains that some revenue streams are steady while other sources are more susceptible to fluctuations in the economy or state budget. Identifying and maintaining sustainable funding sources will support the delivery of more transportation across Texas through 2050 and beyond.

Good stewardship will also minimize the environmental impact of the Texas transportation system. By using resources responsibly and leveraging technology and innovation, TxDOT can reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Encouraging the use of public and active transportation options and promoting alternative fuel vehicles will further reduce transportation-related emissions. Prioritizing environmental stewardship will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, resulting in better public health.

Being a good steward starts with TxDOT understanding the unique needs of stakeholders across Texas and delivering the right programs and projects at the right time. Effective project delivery consists of transparent and consistent communication and leveraging data and technology to guide decision-making. This will ensure that TxDOT uses all resources more responsibly and efficiently. By implementing good stewardship practices, TxDOT can maintain its transportation infrastructure and meet the needs of the public and stakeholders, all while strategically allocating transportation benefits across diverse geographies and social demographics.

» Identify and maintain sustainable funding.

» Avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate adverse and/or disproportional impacts to cultural, natural, and historic resources.

» Protect vulnerable populations from adverse health risks resulting from air pollution from transportation systems.

» Strategically allocate transportation spending across diverse modes, geographies, and social demographics.

» Deliver programs and projects efficiently and responsively.

Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2. Purpose, Goals, and Objectives19

Compliance with Federal Requirements Table 1 shows how the long-range goals integrate federal planning factors required by Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §450.206 as part of the scope of the statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning process.[12]

Table 1: Alignment of Connecting Texas 2050 Goals and Federal Planning Factors

Federal planning factors required by 23 CFR §450.206 Safety Preservation Mobility Connectivity Economic Vitality Stewardship

Support the economic vitality of the United States, the states, nonmetropolitan areas, and metropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight No No Yes Yes No Yes

Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth and economic development patterns

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes throughout the state for people and freight

No No Yes Yes Yes No

Promote efficient system management and operation No Yes Yes Yes No Yes

Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system Yes Yes No No Yes Yes

Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation systems and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Enhance travel and tourism No No Yes Yes Yes No

This…