One for my Forney peeps…
We missed the public meeting, but we’ve just found out that TxDOT will be closing the FM 740 bridge near the intersection with FM 460, starting today (July 21) and lasting for the next 12-13 months.
The bridge has been reduced to one lane only for the past several months, but the bridge will be completely closed as crews work to rebuild the bridge.
We’ve been really curious about this project, as it seems all construction and repairs have come to an absolute standstill since just before we moved to Forney in May.
A TxDOT spokesperson in Kaufman/Navarro Counties, told me via email:
The project duration can be reduced from 19 to 13 months with the closure of FM 740 planned for Wednesday, July 21st. Extensive shoring would be required to keep the roadway open to one-lane traffic for the duration of the project. When detouring around the project, we will have the detour signed to travel south on FM 460, east on FM 688 then turn north on FM 740. This will not require you to enter US 80.
The construction on the project was suspended until we worked out the details of the roadway closure. Activity on the job should resume this week. Forney is developing plans to widen FM 740 to four lanes from US 80 north to Ridgecrest beginning early next year. TxDOT does not have any immediate plans for the widening of FM 460.
And from the official press release:
KAUFMAN COUNTY – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will close FM 740 from FM
460 to Hillside Drive. The closure is scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 21 beginning at 6 a.m.The closure is expected to last one year, and is necessary to avoid an additional $1.2 million in
construction costs. Allowing the closure is expected to reduce construction time from 19 months to 13
months.The $2.85 million project, already underway, is needed to replace aging pavement and bridges at
Buffalo creek. The project will add new shoulders to the pavement and bridges and will accommodate
future plans to widen FM 740 at this location
Here’s to hoping the job can be completed ASAP as it’s my preferred route for getting to most of the shops in Forney — and I’m sure it will be a pain for folks heading from our neighborhood to North Forney High School or the Middle School from our neighborhood.
See the TxDOT FM 740 Map (PDF)
It is a major pain for everyone in Travis Ranch. Thanks for the update. I had no idea it would be closed for over a year. Hopefully once they complete it there will be a stop light at FM 460. It is a dangerous intersection.
I agree! However I think the ultimate plan is to move FM 460 so it curves into FM 740 somehow – but TxDOT hasn’t given any timeline for the work.
BTW – if you’re in Travis Ranch, come over and visit http://www.travisranchforney.com and let me know what you think.