Open House on FM 16 in Lindale

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