George Richey Project Moves Forward

LONGVIEW — Plans for a much-needed east-west corridor in Longview are starting to shape up, and because of a local partnership, the project is expected to start sooner than once thought. The $34 million George Richey extension project, from Gilmer Road to Highway 259, wasn’t expected to start until 2020. But with the city of Longview, Gregg County, the Longview Economic Development Corporation, and TxDOT teaming up, officials were able to get the funding, and get the project moving. Construction is now expected to start in 2013 on Phase 2, with Phase 3 to begin in 2015.

According to KETK, most major routes in Longview run north and south, so the Richey extension is expected to alleviate a lot of east-west congestion. And since the route will run through the North Longview Business Park, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt says the project will also open up more opportunities for business.