Texas’ population has been growing at about double the national rate for more than a decade; this, combined with increased international trade, places heightened demands on infrastructure, creating congestion and maintenance challenges. As a modestcountervailing offset, Americans drive fewer miles due to internetshopping, entertainment, and communications, with 9,812 miles per capita driven in December 2017, compared to the peak of about 10,091 in June, 2005, a decline of 3%.
Texas’ strong growth is reflected in the 2018 Unified Transportation Program totaling $71.2 billion in projects over 10 years through 2027.