Texas State Highway Department
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1991 |
| Preceding agencies |
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| Jurisdiction | Texas |
| Headquarters | 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | State of Texas |
| Website | www.txdot.gov |
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT, pronounced "tex-dot") is a government agency in the U.S. state of Texas. Though the public face of the agency is generally associated with the construction and of the state's immense highway system, the agency is also responsible for overseeing aviation,rail, and public transportation systems in the state.
At one time, TxDOT also administered vehicle registration; but this function transferred to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, a newly created state agency which began operations in November 2009.
The agency has been headquartered in the Dewitt C. Greer Building at 125 East 11th Street in downtown Austin, Texas, since 1933.
The Texas Legislature created the Texas Highway Department in 1916 to administer federal highway construction and maintenance. In 1975, its responsibilities increased when the agency merged with the Texas Mass Transportation Commission, to form the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation.
In 1986, the department started using "Don't Mess with Texas" as its slogan to reduce littering on Texas roadways, as part of a statewide advertising campaign. The phrase was prominently shown on road signs on major highways, as well as in television, radio, and print advertisements. The slogan is still in use and remains very popular.
In 1991, the Legislature combined the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, the Department of Aviation, and the Texas Motor Vehicle Commission to create the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
In 1997, the pre-existing Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA) was divided into two successor agencies: the North Texas Tollway Authority took responsibility for TTA assets in four North Texas counties, while the Turnpike Authority Division of Texas DOT was given jurisdiction over toll facilities in the rest of the state.
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