Throughout the history of the Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards, Texas has frequently emerged as a heavy hitter, with projects that showcase innovation, relieve traffic and hit new heights. Applications are open until Sept. 4 for this year’s awards, giving project teams nationwide the chance to earn recognition among the industry’s best.

Here, we revisit a few standout projects from the Lone Star State that have earned recognition in recent years.

U.S. 181 New Harbor Bridge | Corpus Christi, Texas

The U.S. 181 New Harbor Bridge redefined what is possible in bridge design, earning top honors for its record-setting engineering and transformative impact on the Corpus Christi region. The $1.3 billion project features the longest cable-stayed main span in the United States and the longest precast segmental span in the world, replacing an aging bridge that had served the community since 1959. Its 205-foot navigational clearance accommodates larger cargo ships, strengthening access to the Port of Corpus Christi and supporting future economic growth. Despite complex construction constraints, the project team successfully delivered the massive structure through innovative construction methods and close collaboration among public and private partners. The result is a resilient, multimodal landmark that will serve motorists, cyclists and pedestrians for generations to come.

Fort Hood Turkey Run Bridge Design-Build Project | Fort Hood, Texas

The Fort Hood Turkey Run Bridge project replaced a dangerous low-water crossing with a new bridge designed to provide safe, reliable access for soldiers, military families and local residents. The project was driven by a critical need to improve safety after multiple tragic flood-related incidents at roadway crossings on and around the installation. Facing environmental restrictions, severe weather and an accelerated schedule, the project team worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Fort Hood officials to keep construction on track. Through collaboration and innovative project delivery, crews completed key work just days before a lengthy tree-clearing moratorium took effect. The finished bridge provides a safer connection across Clear Creek and demonstrates how infrastructure investments can directly enhance public safety and community resilience.

Northaven Trail Bridge | Dallas, Texas

The Northaven Trail Bridge transformed a difficult and unsafe crossing into a signature connection for pedestrians and cyclists in Dallas. Spanning U.S. 75, one of Texas' busiest highways, the bridge features a one-of-a-kind S-curved design and is believed to be the world's only network tied-arch bridge with a doubly curved tie. To minimize disruptions to the more than 250,000 vehicles that use the corridor each day, the structure was fully assembled off-site and installed overnight using accelerated bridge construction techniques. The project improved safety, expanded trail connectivity and encouraged multimodal transportation throughout the region. Its combination of innovative engineering and community impact earned the bridge recognition as one of the nation's top bridge projects.

183A Phase III | Leander and Liberty Hill, Texas

The 183A Phase III project relieved a major transportation bottleneck in one of Texas' fastest-growing regions by extending the toll road 6.6 miles north and adding capacity for future growth. The project included new tolled lanes, expanded frontage roads, five elevated overpasses and a shared-use path that improves mobility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Teams navigated challenging geology, environmental constraints and dozens of utility relocations while maintaining access to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Advanced technologies, including drones and sophisticated scheduling tools, helped keep the complex project on track and minimize delays. The result is a safer, more reliable corridor designed to support Central Texas' continued growth for decades to come.

SH 249 Extension | Grimes and Montgomery Counties, Texas

The SH 249 Extension project created a vital new 24.5-mile corridor linking fast-growing communities in southeast Texas while improving regional mobility, safety and hurricane evacuation routes. Delivered through a design-build approach, the project connected suburban areas with major transportation corridors and helped address long-standing traffic challenges. The team developed an innovative design review process that accelerated approvals and became a best practice for future TxDOT design-build projects across the state. Strong collaboration between TxDOT and the project team helped streamline construction and keep the massive undertaking on schedule. The completed corridor provides a safer, more reliable route for travelers and supports continued growth throughout the region.

Texas Heritage Parkway | Fulshear, Texas

The Texas Heritage Parkway project created a critical new north-south corridor in one of the Houston region's fastest-growing areas while balancing the needs of developers, residents and local agencies. The 6.3-mile roadway features 10 roundabouts, extensive pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and innovative underpasses that improve safety and keep traffic moving without traditional signalized intersections. Project teams worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders to preserve community character, minimize environmental impacts and accommodate future growth. Notable efforts included protecting mature trees, reducing light pollution and creating safer connections for walkers and cyclists. The result is a roadway that demonstrates how thoughtful design and collaboration can enhance mobility while maintaining quality of life for surrounding communities.

These award-winning projects demonstrate the ambition, ingenuity and collaboration shaping transportation infrastructure across Texas. Could your project be next? Submit it for consideration in the Roads & Bridges Top 10 Road and Bridge Awards.