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Highway 36 between Bellville and Sealy has been earmarked to receive more than $32 million in federal funds to widen it.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has approved funding for the expansion of over 10 miles of Highway 36 from two lanes to four divided lanes.

The total awarded to the Austin County project is $32 million, made up largely of federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as additional funding secured by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), whose district includes Austin County.

“This is as much about safety as it is convenience,” said McCaul, who was successful in getting $7.2 million in federal funding for the project. “This will ensure commerce can continue to move efficiently through Austin County and the rest of this important region.”

The project will be administered by TxDOT and bids will be solicited as early as February 2010. Once complete, Highway 36 will be widened from near FM 2429 in Bellville to FM 2187 in Sealy.

McCaul also cited state Sen. Glenn Hegar, state Rep. Lois Kolkhorst and Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski for their help in securing the long-awaited highway improvement.

“I’m grateful that we’re moving forward on a project of this magnitude for Austin County,” said Kolkhorst. “I want to commend Lonnie Gregorcyk and the TxDOT staff for their diligence in approving this long overdue project.

“This is going to improve the lives of many Texans for decades to come.”

Austin County’s population grew by 12.7 percent between 2000-07, and TxDOT has said that traffic flow increases 2-3 percent per year on this stretch of highway.

The segment being widened is also particularly known for accidents resulting in fatalities, and is crucial as an emergency evacuation route during hurricanes.

“My great thanks goes out to everyone who has worked so diligently on this project. The expansion and improvement of SH 36 is badly needed from both a safety and traffic standpoint and will be a great benefit to the region. I commend the Transportation Commission’s action and congratulate the people of Sealy and Bellville on this exciting development,” Hegar said.

In 2006 Austin County in partnership with the city of Sealy entered into an agreement with TxDOT to expand Highway 36.

“Numerous fatalities between Sealy and Bellville as well continued economic development growth indicated that the increased traffic would continue to present mobility needs,” said Bilski. “The evacuation traffic resulting from hurricanes added to this need.

“Motorists including commuters, tourists, trucks and local residents will all benefit. I know these motorists join me and our Court in thanking Congressman McCaul, Sen. Hegar and Rep. Kolkhorst in taking this project to the next phase of reality.”

The expansion will consist of four lanes with a divided highway with full-size outside shoulders.