Gary Ridley (c. 1945 – September 9, 2019) was an American civil engineer and public official who served as a member of the Texas Transportation Commission from 2002 until his death in 2019. Appointed to the three‑member commission by Governor George W. Bush and subsequently reappointed by Governor Rick Perry, Ridley played a central role in guiding statewide transportation policy, overseeing highway construction, maintenance, and freight‑movement initiatives across Texas.
Early life and education
Ridley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He also served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, gaining experience in both military and civilian infrastructure projects.
Career
Prior to his commission service, Ridley held several senior positions within the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), including senior engineer and executive director of the Texas Turnpike Authority. In these roles, he was involved in the planning, design, and implementation of major transportation projects throughout the state.
Tenure on the Texas Transportation Commission
During his tenure, Ridley advocated for expanding highway capacity, improving bridge safety, and modernizing the state’s freight network. He was instrumental in the development of the Texas Freight Mobility Study and supported initiatives to incorporate advanced technology into the state’s transportation system.
Personal life and death
Ridley resided in Austin, Texas, where he died on September 9, 2019, at the age of 74.
Legacy
Ridley is remembered for his contributions to Texas’s transportation infrastructure and for facilitating collaboration among state agencies, local governments, and private stakeholders in the pursuit of a more efficient and safe transportation system.
