S.B. No. 2899 amends Section 201.615 of the Transportation Code to enhance the design considerations for transportation projects undertaken by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The bill specifies that TxDOT must consider various factors when developing projects, including safety, durability, maintenance economy, environmental impact, and community access. Notably, it introduces new requirements for considering alternative designs that have been approved by local governing bodies, as well as the negative impacts of previous transportation projects on affected communities.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission adopt rules to implement these considerations, ensuring that alternative designs are reviewed similarly to projects under the National Environmental Policy Act. However, it also provides a provision that allows TxDOT to disregard an alternative design if deemed frivolous or unreasonable. The changes aim to promote more community-focused and environmentally conscious transportation planning, with the new regulations set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 201.615 (Transportation Code 201)