Abilene, Texas, January 17, 2026
The Texas Department of Transportation has unveiled plans for a major $125 million reconstruction project on I-20 in Abilene, Texas. Set to begin in November 2026, the project aims to expand the highway to six lanes, construct a new overpass, and enhance safety through various upgrades to the road infrastructure. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion, improve traffic flow, and support economic development in the region.
Abilene, Texas
$125 Million Overhaul Planned for I-20 in Abilene
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a significant $125 million reconstruction project for a stretch of Interstate 20 (I-20) in Abilene, Texas. Scheduled to commence in November 2026, the three-year project aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety on this critical east-west corridor.
Project Details
The reconstruction will span from Farm to Market Road 600 (FM 600) to State Highway 351 (SH 351) in Taylor County. Key components of the project include:
- Expansion to Six Lanes: The roadway will be widened to accommodate six lanes of traffic, addressing current capacity issues.
- Overpass Construction: An overpass will be built at Judge Ely Boulevard to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Frontage Road Reconstruction: Existing frontage roads will be rebuilt to enhance access and safety for local traffic.
- Storm Drain Facilities and Retaining Walls: Upgrades to storm drainage systems and the addition of retaining walls will improve infrastructure resilience.
- Traffic Signal Installation: New traffic signals will be installed to better manage traffic flow and reduce potential accidents.
Project Timeline
Construction is set to begin on November 3, 2026, with an anticipated completion date of October 16, 2029. These dates are subject to change based on project developments and unforeseen circumstances.
Funding and Economic Impact
The $125 million funding for this project is part of TxDOT’s broader initiative to improve transportation infrastructure across the state. The reconstruction is expected to:
- Accommodate Increased Traffic: The expanded capacity will support growing traffic volumes in the region.
- Enhance Safety: Improved road design and infrastructure are anticipated to reduce accident rates.
- Support Economic Development: Upgraded infrastructure is likely to attract new businesses and facilitate economic growth in Abilene and surrounding areas.
Background Context
Interstate 20 is a major east-west corridor that stretches from West Texas to South Carolina, passing through cities like Midland, Abilene, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The section in Abilene has been identified as one of the most congested roadways in Texas, prompting the need for significant upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety.
This project is part of TxDOT’s ongoing efforts to address congestion and enhance transportation infrastructure statewide. Similar initiatives include the $2.7 million project on U.S. Highway 62/82 in Lubbock and Hockley counties, which began on January 5, 2026, and the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project in Austin, slated to begin in late 2025. These projects reflect a concerted effort to modernize and expand Texas’s transportation network to meet the demands of a growing population and economy.
Related Projects
In addition to the I-20 reconstruction, other significant transportation projects in Texas include:
- Interstate 10–Loop 1604 Interchange in San Antonio: A five-level stack interchange designed to improve mobility and reduce congestion on the northwest side of San Antonio. Construction began in 2021 and is expected to conclude by late 2026.
- Harbor Bridge Project in Corpus Christi: A $1.2 billion project replacing the existing Harbor Bridge with a modern cable-stayed design. The new bridge opened to traffic on June 28, 2025.
- North Tarrant Express in Fort Worth: A $2.5 billion project reconstructing and upgrading the I-820 and SH 121/SH 183 corridor to alleviate congestion and improve safety. Construction began in late 2010 and was completed ahead of schedule in 2014.
These projects underscore Texas’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of its growing population and economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the scope of the $125 million reconstruction project on I-20 in Abilene?
The project involves expanding I-20 to six lanes, constructing an overpass at Judge Ely Boulevard, and rebuilding frontage roads, storm drain facilities, and traffic signals to improve traffic flow and safety.
When is construction scheduled to begin and end?
Construction is set to begin on November 3, 2026, and is expected to be completed by October 16, 2029. These dates are subject to change based on project developments.
How will this project impact the local economy?
The reconstruction is expected to accommodate increased traffic, enhance safety, and support economic development by improving infrastructure and attracting new businesses to the region.
What other major transportation projects are underway in Texas?
Other significant projects include the I-10–Loop 1604 Interchange in San Antonio, the Harbor Bridge Project in Corpus Christi, and the North Tarrant Express in Fort Worth, all aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and reducing congestion.
Key Features of the I-20 Reconstruction Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $125 million |
| Project Duration | November 3, 2026 – October 16, 2029 |
| Scope of Work | Expansion to six lanes, overpass at Judge Ely Boulevard, reconstruction of frontage roads, storm drain facilities, and traffic signals |
| Economic Impact | Improved traffic flow, enhanced safety, support for economic development |
| Related Projects | I-10–Loop 1604 Interchange in San Antonio, Harbor Bridge Project in Corpus Christi, North Tarrant Express in Fort Worth |
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