In Texas, the responsibility for managing and maintaining roads is shared among different governmental entities, primarily the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the state highway system, and various local authorities for city and county roads.
Understanding Road Management in Texas
Road infrastructure in Texas is a vast network, and its oversight is decentralized to ensure efficient management at various levels.
The Role of TxDOT
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the primary agency responsible for the state highway system. This includes the major arteries that connect cities and regions across Texas.
TxDOT's jurisdiction covers:
- Interstate Highways (e.g., I-35, I-45, I-10)
- U.S. Highways (e.g., U.S. 59, U.S. 75)
- State Highways (e.g., Loop 1, SH 130)
These are the high-capacity roads that facilitate long-distance travel and commerce throughout the state.
Local Authority Responsibilities
Beyond the state highway system, roads are maintained by local authorities. TxDOT is not responsible for roads maintained by cities or counties.
- City Maintained Roads: Roads located within incorporated city limits are typically the responsibility of the respective city government. This includes most local streets, avenues, and boulevards that serve neighborhoods and commercial areas within urban boundaries.
- County Maintained Roads: In unincorporated areas outside of city limits, roads fall under the jurisdiction of the county government. Each county's road and bridge department is responsible for maintaining these roadways, which often include rural roads and farm-to-market roads (though some farm-to-market roads may be part of the state highway system and thus managed by TxDOT).
Reporting Road Issues in Texas
Knowing which entity is responsible is key to reporting issues effectively. For any repair request, it is important to submit a separate report for each specific issue to ensure proper tracking and resolution.
Here's a breakdown of who to contact for different types of roads:
| Road Type | Responsible Authority | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| State Highway System (Interstates, U.S. Highways, State Highways, some Farm-to-Market roads) | Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) | Report online through the TxDOT website or by contacting the specific TxDOT district office responsible for that region. For road conditions requiring immediate attention that pose a danger, such as large debris, hazardous spills, or significant pavement failures, call 800-558-9368. |
| City Maintained Roads (Streets within city limits) | Local City Government | Contact the city's Public Works department or relevant municipal services. Most cities have an online portal or a dedicated phone number for reporting non-emergency road issues like potholes, street sign damage, or drainage problems. |
| County Maintained Roads (Roads in unincorporated areas) | Local County Government | Contact the county's Road & Bridge department or the County Commissioners Court. Information is usually available on the county's official website for reporting road maintenance needs in rural areas. |
