Construction work has begun on a $1.8 million project which will widen several Farm-To-Market roads across North Texas, including one near Caddo Mills.
According to a press release from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), construction began last week on FM 71 in Franklin County, from 1.16 mile west of the Titus County Line to the Titus County Line. Upon completion of this section of FM 71, additional roadways will be widened in the following order beginning in February and progressing through July:
— FM 1503 from one mile south of U.S. Highway 271 to 2.2 miles south of U.S. Highway 271 in Lamar County.
— FM 906 from U.S. Highway 271 to one mile east of U.S. Highway 271 in Lamar County.
— FM 1529 from State Highway 154 to FM 2716 in Delta County.
— FM 3007 from 2.8 miles south of FM 21 to 3.8 miles south of FM 21 in Franklin County.
— FM 3019 from State Highway 11 to two miles north of State Highway 11 in Hopkins County.
— FM 1903 from FM 36 to 1.9 miles east of FM 36 at the Interstate 30 frontage road in Hunt County.
TxDOT recently awarded the roadway widening contract to Sammy Gist Enterprises, Inc. for $1,818,276.
The project will widen the roadways to provide a paved surface width of 24 feet. If everything goes as planned, the work should be complete by August.
Provisions have been included in the highway contract to keep through traffic hold-ups to a minimum. Access to adjacent properties will be maintained throughout the duration of contract work. TxDOT is urging the traveling public to take extra caution and observe warning signs during construction of this project. The press release indicated safety in the work zone is a high priority and people traveling along these routes are being asked to slow down and be aware of construction activity. There will be loose gravel and shoulder drop offs along to the roadway as well as the need to stop traffic for short durations. At times, traffic will be restricted to one lane, but two-way movement will be restored whenever possible during the day and always at night.
“We request that people traveling along this roadway realize that road construction may be an inconvenience, however, this inconvenience is temporary and necessary to improve and preserve our roadways,” said Richard Harper, TxDOT Assistant Area Engineer for the Paris Area Office.
