Texas Department of Transportation

Profile narrative

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the state agency responsible for planning, designing, building, maintaining, and operating Texas’s transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, roads, and related facilities. It also oversees public transportation programs, aviation facilities, and rail services that serve residents and businesses across the state. TxDOT collaborates with local governments, private contractors, and federal partners to deliver projects that support mobility, economic development, and safety. The agency manages traffic control devices such as signals and signs to help ensure the efficient and secure movement of people and goods.

TxDOT has experienced several security incidents that illustrate vulnerabilities in its systems and equipment. In May 2020, a ransomware attack compromised its network, prompting isolation of affected systems and an FBI investigation while the agency worked to maintain critical services. In November 2017, a traffic sign near Dallas was hacked to display an obscene anti‑Trump message, highlighting weaknesses in default passwords and physical security of roadside devices. Earlier that year, in February 2017, an unauthorized access to an automated administrative system exposed personal information of a limited number of employees. Additionally, in May 2016, individuals physically breached roadwork signs along an interstate to display political messages, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards on contractor‑owned equipment.

As a state department of transportation, TxDOT administers both federal and state transportation funds, establishes engineering and safety standards, and monitors compliance with transportation regulations. It plays a significant role in emergency management, coordinating responses to natural disasters and other events that impact the state’s transportation network. The agency also handles permitting for oversize or overweight vehicles and manages right‑of‑way acquisitions necessary for infrastructure projects.

TxDOT operates under the direction of the Texas Transportation Commission, whose members are appointed by the Governor, and its daily operations are led by an executive director. The agency is a component of the Texas state government, subject to legislative oversight and budget appropriations. Its headquarters are located in Austin, Texas, within the United States of America.

Incidents

4 incidents linked to this organisation.