TxDOT Awarded Federal Funding for Major Project In Permian Basin

MIDLAND, TX – Governor Gregg Abbott and the United States Department of Transportation announced Thursday that TxDot was awarded a $25 million grant towards an Interstate 20 "Energy Sector Safety Project" for the Midland-Odessa area.

This project is planned to demolish the current overpass of Cotton Flat Road and I-20 to help eliminate the possibility of future bridge strikes that pose serious safety risks and ease traffic congestion in the area.

"Improving the infrastructure in the Permian Basin is critical to the movement of people and goods that support the largest source of oil and gas production in this country," Governor Greg Abbott said. 

Abbott went on to say, "I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the vital role that this region continues to play in our nation’s energy independence. Working together with TxDOT, the federal government continues to show its commitment bettering the roads and bridges across Texas."

Congressman Mike Conaway added, "I-20 is an essential corridor for both travel and trade in our community. Not only does it support our critical energy sector, but it is also a vital east-west corridor for the agriculture, mining, trucking, construction, and manufacturing industries. This grant will go towards raising the Cotton Flat Road overpass—which has suffered from numerous bridge strikes and has been a safety hazard with frequent traffic shutdowns. I am pleased to see the Trump Administration continue to invest in our local infrastructure, and look forward to the finished overpass."

As energy production is projected to double throughout the Permian Basin over the upcoming years, it is imperative that TxDOT maintain and improve infrastructure in areas of high daily traffic to ensure safety for all travelers using these roads.

"Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the assistance from our federal partners to address a booming area that not only benefits the citizens of Texas, but the nation as a whole," said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass.

This is project is also the third project approved in the Permian Basin that has been awarded such funding due to growing safety concerns.