The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced on April 23, 2026, that it is accelerating a shift from traditional 2D paper blueprints to 3D digital design environments for highway projects. This “digital delivery” approach involves creating 3D models, or “digital twins,” of roads and bridges before construction begins to improve accuracy and safety across the state’s transportation system.
By moving to a fully digital platform, TxDOT aims to reduce construction delays and costs by identifying potential conflicts, such as drainage or utility issues, during the design phase. The agency plans for all 25 TxDOT districts to award at least one project using this method by the end of 2027, with the long-term goal of making digital delivery the standard for future infrastructure development. This transformation is intended to help the state’s transportation network keep pace with rapid population growth while enhancing coordination between contractors and planners.
According to Jason Pike, TxDOT director of design, the use of 3D models provides a “single, shared model” that replaces disconnected files and stacks of paper plans. This shared data environment is expected to result in fewer change orders and more streamlined construction timelines. Pike stated that the transition allows for better visualization and coordination, which helps prevent “costly surprises in the field”.
The initiative is currently in a pilot phase, with projects active across the state to evaluate performance and refine the process. The digital shift is integrated with the agency’s Alternative Delivery Division, which manages collaborative contracting models to accelerate project delivery. While the initial implementation requires investment in new software and training, industry analysts note that digital twins can reduce total project costs by up to 10% through improved clash detection and resource management. For context, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has encouraged the use of “Every Day Counts” (EDC) initiatives, which include 3D modeled digital delivery, to shorten project delivery times and improve work zone safety nationwide.
“As the pilot program expands, TxDOT officials expect the benefits to compound: faster project delivery, fewer delays and ultimately a safer, more resilient transportation network for millions of Texans,” according to the agency’s news report.