2026 TxDOT Roadway Design Manual Updates – What Changed for Texas Developers & Contractors
Updated: Sep 24
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Check out JRH's case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
Where the TxDOT Roadway Design Manual Stands in 2026
TxDOT's manuals page lists the current Roadway Design Manual as the November 2024 revision (dated 11/1/2024).
That edition governs roadway design on TxDOT projects in 2026, and it shapes what developers and contractors submit for work on state right-of-way.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
What Developers and Contractors Should Check
Which Roadway Design Manual revision your TxDOT reviewer is using
Driveway and access requirements on state highways
Drainage criteria for sites that discharge to TxDOT right-of-way, such as the Houston District guidelines revised July 1, 2025
Traffic control during construction in or near the roadway
Project: Harborside & I-45 Intersection Modification, Galveston, TX
Intersection modification at the Port of Galveston
An oversized wind turbine blade convoy needed to make a turn the existing intersection could not handle
Three agencies: the Port of Galveston, the City of Galveston and TxDOT
Read the full Port of Galveston intersection case study
Challenges
Traffic signal boxes and poles blocked the required turning radius
The storm sewer sat under the area needed for the turn
There was not enough turning surface for the convoy
The port's delivery schedule could not slip
Objectives
Open a turning path wide enough for the convoy.
Protect the storm sewer under new loading.
Get approval from all three agencies without sequential delays.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Civil engineering design and permitting coordination across three agencies at once
Stabilized crushed concrete to expand the turning surface
Existing storm sewer reinforced for the new surface loading
Traffic signal boxes relocated to clear the turning path
A traffic control plan for both construction and the convoy movement
Results:
Port of Galveston, City of Galveston and TxDOT approvals completed simultaneously
Port delivery schedule maintained
Work completed without interrupting port operations
State DOT Design Manuals in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
For TxDOT drainage rules on development sites, see TxDOT Houston Releases New Drainage Criteria.
North Carolina
See our 2026 NCDOT Roadway Design Manual updates post.
Florida
See our 2026 FDOT Roadway Design Manual updates post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current TxDOT Roadway Design Manual revision?
TxDOT's manuals page lists the November 2024 revision, dated 11/1/2024.
Does the Roadway Design Manual apply to private development?
It governs TxDOT roadway design, so it matters when private projects connect to or work within state right-of-way.
Which TxDOT drainage rules apply to Houston-area sites?
The TxDOT Houston District Drainage Design Guidelines, revised July 1, 2025, for sites discharging to TxDOT right-of-way.
How many agencies approved the Port of Galveston intersection work?
Three: the Port of Galveston, the City of Galveston and TxDOT, all at the same time.
How did JRH Engineering create room for the convoy's turn?
By adding stabilized crushed concrete, reinforcing the storm sewer and relocating traffic signal boxes.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635
Use the chatbot in the lower right-hand corner of this page
Submit a request through JRH Engineering's contact page
Find JRH Engineering on Google:
This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
Comments