TxDOT: Roadwork Planned in Longview, Open House in Lindale

EAST TEXAS — TxDOT is putting out the word on some roadwork this weekend and an open house planned for Tuesday. I-20 will be the focus this Sunday from 6 a.m. until work is completed. That’s when eastbound traffic on the interstate will be detoured onto the south frontage road between Loop 281 West and Loop 281 East as crews work to replace an overhead Dynamic Message Sign (DMS). The DMS is mounted on a sign bridge over the highway just east of US 259.

Motorists may want to avoid the area or plan for extra travel time to reach their destination. Manually operated signals and flaggers will be used to help keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible, according to TxDOT. Work is expected to be completed by noon, though officials say weather conditions or other unforeseen problems could change the scheduled work closure. Anyone having any questions about the road closure, detour routes or construction work can call the Texas Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Office in Atlanta at 903-799-1489 for more information.

The West Campus of Lindale’s E.J. Moss Intermediate School will be the site of the house, set for 5 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. TxDOT says it’s inviting interested citizens to come learn about and provide comment on proposed improvements to FM 16 in Lindale. The meeting will include the latest project maps.

The three alignment alternatives under consideration for improving FM 16 from four miles west of FM 849 to US 69 are being presented. Officials say the improvements will help ease congestion and improve safety. They also say the work will help the city expand the east-west corridor in anticipation of future growth and connection with Toll 49. After reviewing feedback from the public and evaluating the impacts of each option, the recommended route will be presented at a meeting in early 2016.

Enhancements planned for this portion of FM 16 include:

· Widening from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided highway with curb and gutter in the urban area

· Center left-turn lane to provide additional safety for drivers

· On and off access to Toll 49

Work continues to finalize the design and complete the environmental assessment, which reviews possible impacts the project may have on the environment, according to officials. Environmental clearance is expected in fall 2017, followed by the acquisition of new right-of-way and the development of construction plans. Construction is anticipated to start in 2020, pending available funding.