Texas statewide · Historical photographs
Historic Texas road photographs
Photographs from the 1950s–1970s · Commentary preserved from the original archive
Roadside businesses line old US 81 in Waco. Bridge piers rise in Temple, and crews drill into rock near Junction. Browse the original photographs and commentary from across Texas, grouped by highway and place.
↗ EnlargeSource: TxDOT archive library
Texas highways taking shape, one stretch at a time.
Historic Texas photographs
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Historic photographs and archive commentary
I-35 road history
Interstate 35 photographs
8 archive photographs Interstate 35 (non-urban sections)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Waco, IH-35/US77 interchange construction
Waco, IH-35/US77 interchange construction (247 kB)
IH-35 was previously completed at this location
IH-35 was previously completed at this location
Temple, construction of elevated viaduct
Temple, construction of elevated viaduct
January 15, 1965
Georgetown, construction of overpass
Georgetown, construction of overpass (131 kB)
The Inner Space Cavern cave was discovered during construction of this section of IH-35. I'm not 100% certain, but this looks like exact location of the cave.
The Inner Space Cavern cave was discovered during construction of this section of IH-35. I'm not 100% certain, but this looks like exact location of the cave.
January 15, 1965
Georgetown, San Gabriel River bridge construction
Georgetown, San Gabriel River bridge construction (167 kB)
This bridge was widened in 2001.
This bridge was widened in 2001.
November 11, 1965
Laredo, freeway path at terminus
Laredo, freeway path at terminus (173 kB)
The red lines in the view show the path that the freeway will take. The Rio Grande Rivers appears to be in the background. This quiet village has become one of the busiest US-Mexico Border Crossings.
The red lines in the view show the path that the freeway will take. The Rio Grande Rivers appears to be in the background. This quiet village has become one of the busiest US-Mexico Border Crossings.
November 11, 1965
Laredo, freeway path at Laredo
Laredo, freeway path at Laredo (232 kB)
The red lines in the view show the path that the freeway will take. Looking north, the right of way of the freeway is already clear, with feeders in place.
The red lines in the view show the path that the freeway will take. Looking north, the right of way of the freeway is already clear, with feeders in place.
February 1970
Completion of freeway in Waco
Completion of freeway in Waco (added 8-May-2001) (276 kB)
This image from the inside cover of the February, 1970, Texas Highways Magazine shows the nearly complete freeway through Waco, with the Brazos River crossing in the foreground.
This image from the inside cover of the February, 1970, Texas Highways Magazine shows the nearly complete freeway through Waco, with the Brazos River crossing in the foreground.
Historic photographs and archive commentary
I-10 road history
Interstate 10 photographs
11 archive photographs Interstate 10 (non-urban sections) (Photos added 8-May-2001)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Interstate 10 in Texas was completed on May 20, 1983, when the Fort Stockton bypass opened. On that date, Interstate 10 became a limited-access facility from coast-to-coast, although the freeway did not yet follow the officially designated route through Phoenix, Arizona, where it would be built in a cut-and-cover tunnel.
US 90 near Liberty, Texas (northeast of Houston)
US 90 near Liberty, Texas (northeast of Houston) (157 kB)
US 90 was the predecessor of IH-10. The present IH-10 does not follow this section US 90, however; a more southerly route was taken for IH-10. Notice the very narrow bridge in this photo.
US 90 was the predecessor of IH-10. The present IH-10 does not follow this section US 90, however; a more southerly route was taken for IH-10. Notice the very narrow bridge in this photo.
US90 (now IH-10) Sabine River Bridge at Texas-Louisiana border
US90 (now IH-10) Sabine River Bridge at Texas-Louisiana border (42 kB)
This section of IH-10 traverses the Blue Elbow Swamp. Based on the shadows, this photo appears to be looking into Louisiana.
Notice how narrow the bridge is. In 1999, construction began on a $39.35 million, 6-lane replacement bridge. As of January 2001, the new bridge was 45% complete.
This section of IH-10 traverses the Blue Elbow Swamp. Based on the shadows, this photo appears to be looking into Louisiana.
Notice how narrow the bridge is. In 1999, construction began on a $39.35 million, 6-lane replacement bridge. As of January 2001, the new bridge was 45% complete.
US90 (now IH-10) near the Sabine River Bridge at Texas-Louisiana border
Undated, circa 1960?
US 290 (now IH-10) in West Texas near Bakersfield
US 290 (now IH-10) in West Texas near Bakersfield (135 kB)
This is now the route of Interstate 10.
This is now the route of Interstate 10.
October 1961
Opening Ceremony for IH-10 between Orange and Beaumont
August 1968
Construction north of Boerne, TX
Construction north of Boerne, TX (184 kB)
Boerne is about 35 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio.
Boerne is about 35 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio.
August 1968
Bridge construction north of Boerne, TX
May 1970
IH-10 bridge over Llano River at Junction, TX
IH-10 bridge over Llano River at Junction, TX (164 kB)
Junction is 100 miles west of San Antonio. Even though this region is semi-arid, notice the wide flood plain. To see what can happen, see Llano River flood photos, November 2000.
Junction is 100 miles west of San Antonio. Even though this region is semi-arid, notice the wide flood plain. To see what can happen, see Llano River flood photos, November 2000.
May 1970
Dynamite drilling near Junction, TX
Dynamite drilling near Junction, TX (135 kB)
See the Texas Highways Magazine cover image below for a nice color photo.
See the Texas Highways Magazine cover image below for a nice color photo.
May 1970
Excavation near Junction, TX
Excavation near Junction, TX (213 kB)
May 1970
Texas Highways Magazine Cover of the May 1970 magazine (273K)
Texas Highways Magazine Cover of the May 1970 magazine (273K)
Drilling dynamite placement holes near Junction, TX. This is a nice color photo.
Drilling dynamite placement holes near Junction, TX. This is a nice color photo.
Historic photographs and archive commentary
I-45 & I-20 road history
Interstate 45 photographs
8 archive photographs Interstate 45 (non-urban sections)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Rest Area construction near Huntsville
Rest Area construction near Huntsville (132 kB)
Huntsville is about 60 miles north of downtown Houston. The interstate appears to be complete at Huntsville in 1963.
Huntsville is about 60 miles north of downtown Houston. The interstate appears to be complete at Huntsville in 1963.
Construction at SH21 intersection at Madisonville
Overpass construction near Corsicana
August 1969
Texas Highways Magazine "IH 45 Link Opens" Page
Texas Highways Magazine "IH 45 Link Opens" Page 1 (311K) 2 (352K)
This article features the dedication of the IH-45 section between Centerville and Buffalo on July 11, 1969. The old US 75 had become very dangerous, as shown by the roadside sign with the fatality count. With the completion of this section, 34 miles between Buffalo and Streetman remained to be completed.
This article features the dedication of the IH-45 section between Centerville and Buffalo on July 11, 1969. The old US 75 had become very dangerous, as shown by the roadside sign with the fatality count. With the completion of this section, 34 miles between Buffalo and Streetman remained to be completed.
August 1969
2 (352K)
December 1971
Texas Highways Magazine "The End of the Beginning" Page
Texas Highways Magazine "The End of the Beginning" Page 1 (308K) 2 (404K) 3 (252K)
This article features the dedication of the final 12-mile link in IH-45 between Houston and Dallas. Only a small section in Dallas remained to be completed. The article describes how the uncompleted section had become known as "Nightmare Alley" due to its high traffic fatality rate.
This article features the dedication of the final 12-mile link in IH-45 between Houston and Dallas. Only a small section in Dallas remained to be completed. The article describes how the uncompleted section had become known as "Nightmare Alley" due to its high traffic fatality rate.
December 1971
2 (404K)
Interstate 20 photographs
2 archive photographs Interstate 20, non-urban sections (updated 8-July-2001, add present-day photos to dedication views)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Construction in East Texas
Construction in East Texas (181 kB)
This photo is labelled as being in TxDOT district 10. I believe this is the Tyler district.
This photo is labelled as being in TxDOT district 10. I believe this is the Tyler district.
Construction in East Texas
Construction in East Texas (148 kB)
Dedication ceremony at Longview (updated 8-July-2001) (161 kB)
Dedication ceremony at Longview (updated 8-July-2001) (184 kB)
These links also include 2001 views of these locations. 2001 photos contributed by Billy Donovan. Thanks!
Like most highway completions in the 1960's, this was a big deal. This opening ceremony featured a band and a drill team.
Historic photographs and archive commentary
Across Texas road history
Rio Grande Valley photographs
2 archive photographs Rio Grande Valley (far south Texas)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Amarillo photographs
3 archive photographs Amarillo (Updated 8-May-2001)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Construction of US 87 / US 60
Construction of US 87 / US 60 (added 8-May-2001) (172 kB)
87/287 at 24th Street
87/287 at 24th Street (109 kB)
Construction of Interstate 40 in Amarillo
Nacogdoches and Lufkin photographs
7 archive photographs Nacogdoches/Lufkin Region (added 8-May-2001)
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
US 59 near Nacogdoches
US 59 near Nacogdoches (160 kB)
This is the original US 59, before it became a divided highway. Sometime between 2010 and 2020, Interstate 69 will replace this route as the region's main artery. IH-69 will be constructed on new location for most of its route around Lufkin and Navasota.
This is the original US 59, before it became a divided highway. Sometime between 2010 and 2020, Interstate 69 will replace this route as the region's main artery. IH-69 will be constructed on new location for most of its route around Lufkin and Navasota.
US 59 between Lufkin and Nacogdoches
US 59 between Lufkin and Nacogdoches (227 kB)
US 59 at Livingston
US 59 at Livingston (193 kB)
Undated (1950's?)
Highway 21 near Nacogdoches
Highway 21 near Nacogdoches (181 kB)
Highway 21 at Attowac River near Nacogdoches (173 kB)
Highway 21 at Alto (172 kB)
These three photographs of Highway 21 all show old-style truss bridges that existed along this route.
Highway 21 at Attowac River near Nacogdoches (173 kB)
Highway 21 at Alto (172 kB)
These three photographs of Highway 21 all show old-style truss bridges that existed along this route.
Undated (1950's?)
Highway 21 at Attowac River near Nacogdoches
Undated (1950's?)
Highway 21 at Alto
August 1958
Farm Road 147 crossing of Angelina River before Lake Rayburn (183K)
Farm Road 147 crossing of Angelina River before Lake Rayburn (183K)
This photo seemed curious to me because the river crossing was such a long structure. Then I realized that this photo was taken before water impoundment of Lake Sam Rayburn. So the ground in this photo is now underwater.
This photo seemed curious to me because the river crossing was such a long structure. Then I realized that this photo was taken before water impoundment of Lake Sam Rayburn. So the ground in this photo is now underwater.
Historic photographs and archive commentary
College Station & Waco road history
Bryan and College Station photographs
1 archive photographs Bryan / College Station
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Overpass Construction at FM60 (Wellborn Road) and FM2164 (University Drive)
Overpass Construction at FM60 (Wellborn Road) and FM2164 (University Drive) (202 kB)
I added this photo for all fellow A&M alumni out there. This is the intersection near Northgate and the Dixie Chicken.
I added this photo for all fellow A&M alumni out there. This is the intersection near Northgate and the Dixie Chicken.
Waco photographs
8 archive photographs Waco Photos added 3-July-01
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
US 81 view 1
Views of the US 81 corridor through Waco
US 81 view 1 (194 kB)
US 81 view 2 (146 kB)
US 81 view 3 (140 kB)
US 81 view 4 (115 kB)
US 81 Brazos River Bridge (117 kB)
The photos show the original US 81 through Waco, which would later become the Interstate 35 corridor. These photos show the roadway lined with 1950's era fuel stations and commercial establishments.
US 81 view 1 (194 kB)
US 81 view 2 (146 kB)
US 81 view 3 (140 kB)
US 81 view 4 (115 kB)
US 81 Brazos River Bridge (117 kB)
The photos show the original US 81 through Waco, which would later become the Interstate 35 corridor. These photos show the roadway lined with 1950's era fuel stations and commercial establishments.
US 81 view 2
US 81 view 3
1954
US 81 view 4
1954
US 81 Brazos River Bridge
April 1955
Waco Drive
Waco Drive (135 kB)
January 18, 1961
Construction of State Highway 6 Lake Waco Bridge
Construction of State Highway 6 Lake Waco Bridge (110 kB)
This photo appeared on the cover of Texas Highways magazine, April 1961.
This photo appeared on the cover of Texas Highways magazine, April 1961.
February 1970
Completion of freeway in Waco
Completion of freeway in Waco (added 8-May-2001) (276 kB)
This image from the inside cover of the February, 1970, Texas Highways Magazine shows the nearly complete freeway through Waco, with the Brazos River crossing in the foreground.
This image from the inside cover of the February, 1970, Texas Highways Magazine shows the nearly complete freeway through Waco, with the Brazos River crossing in the foreground.
Historic photographs and archive commentary
Wichita Falls & Kingsland road history
Wichita Falls photographs
1 archive photographs Wichita Falls
Source: TxDOT archive library
Source: TxDOT archive library
Model of proposed Interchange of US287 and US82 (Kell Freeway)
Model of proposed Interchange of US287 and US82 (Kell Freeway) (186 kB)
In this model view, the Kell freeway goes from the lower right corner of the image to the upper left. US 287/IH-44 goes diagonally from lower right to the left. Notice the wide separation of US287/IH-44 on the left side of the model. This was the transition to IH-44. The elevated viaducts for this freeway finally began construction in 1999. Click here for photos of the construction of the elevated viaduct, taken from the offical TxDOT information page.
In this model view, the Kell freeway goes from the lower right corner of the image to the upper left. US 287/IH-44 goes diagonally from lower right to the left. Notice the wide separation of US287/IH-44 on the left side of the model. This was the transition to IH-44. The elevated viaducts for this freeway finally began construction in 1999. Click here for photos of the construction of the elevated viaduct, taken from the offical TxDOT information page.
The connector ramps shown in this model were not constructed.
Kingsland photographs
3 archive photographs Kingsland
Source: TxDOT archive library
Kingsland is located on the Colorado River, 40 miles northwest of Austin
Source: TxDOT archive library
Kingsland is located on the Colorado River, 40 miles northwest of Austin
FM 1431 bridge over Lake Lyndon B. Johnson
Dynamite placement for blasing in FM 1431 , with view of Lake LBJ
Dynamite placement for blasing in FM 1431, with view of Lake LBJ (190 kB)
Just after blasing on FM 1431
Just after blasing on FM 1431 (82 kB)
