Ennis, Texas - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) routinely partners with local governments to deliver transportation improvements within municipal boundaries. The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Underpass Project is one such collaborative project.

While still awaiting final UPRR approval of the select design elements affecting the railroad, the project has an anticipated start date of May 2027. At that time, TxDOT will be awarding a construction bid to undertake the construction of this major roadway projects within the City of Ennis, officially known as the Union Pacific Safety Zone Project.

This project, which encompasses Ennis Avenue, from Kaufman Street to McKinney Street, is a transformative infrastructure and urban revitalization initiative for Downtown Ennis. The project is a central component of the City’s Downtown Master Plan, aiming to address the challenges posed by the UPRR corridor as it bisects the downtown area, while also creating a vibrant, accessible, and safe urban environment.

For an overview of the planning efforts that led to the initiation of the project as well as an overview of the anticipated construction impacts, please refer to the linked presentation, which was shared with the public and the City Commission on July 21, 2026. For additional questions, please contact us at 972-875-1234.