TxDOT officials, including Marc W. Shepherd and Cory Taylor, Texas State Rep. John Otto and other supporters gathered on Tuesday, August 16 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a five lane expansion on SH 146 connecting Dayton to Chambers County. The completion of this lane expansion will help improve traffic congestion and reduce the number of deaths associated with accidents on the highway. Funded by Proposition 14, Rep. Otto helped raise $22 million to complete the project.

In a 10-year period, 35 deaths occurred between Dayton and Mont Belvieu. Additionally, some people sat in traffic for 14 hours on the highway as they evacuated for Hurricane Rita. Through the expansion of this highway, fewer accidents will occur and residents will be able to more efficiently evacuate prior to a hurricane.

According to Rep. Otto, this was a safety and hurricane evacuation issue and with the improvements made in the last couple of years, the area will benefit economically by attracting additional businesses as well. “We are glad to have a safe corridor for everyone to travel on,” said Otto.

“We are pleased to see the completion of the improvements to Hwy 146, not only for the safety aspect, but also the overall positive economic impact this will have on Dayton,” said Tammy Pratka, executive director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

The expansion will attract additional business to the area, thus creating a positive economic impact for companies. As the new highway will provide additional lanes for traveling, it also allows for safer transportation of goods and products among a major thoroughfare.

The completion of this transportation project is another step toward improving Texas’ transportation system. With the help of legislation passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, more projects can be completed across the state and Texans can continue enjoying good, safe Texas roads.  

To read more on the expansion of Hwy 146, click here, here, and here.