The population in Texas grew by about four million people from 2010 to 2020. As more cars hit the roads in the Lone Star State, the roads, highways, and bridges are being stressed more than in years past.
On its report card for U.S. infrastructure released last year, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Texas a C overall, but D+ on its highways and roads.
"I've driven in other states, and I'll take our roads over the other states," state Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) said. "I get people are going to say what they're going to say, but all it takes is driving across the border and the roads are in pretty good shape."
In North Texas, the city of Dallas faces billions of dollars in maintenance to update its roads, bridges, alleys and sidewalks.
"For decades, unfortunately, past councils kicked the can down the road and deferred the maintenance, deferred the maintenance," Dallas City Council member and chair of the transportation and infrastructure committee Omar Narvaez said. "Well at this point, we don't have anywhere else to kick the can down the road because it's falling into a pothole."
Hear more about the state of Texas roads, how the state pays for them and impact of population growth in the two newest episodes of KRLD In Depth.
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