The proposed project on US 82 in Bowie County from 0.1 mile west of US 259 (Phillips Lumber) to 0.4 mile south of I-30 includes widening US 82 to a 4-lane roadway with a continuous center left-turn lane.
In order to accommodate pedestrians, sidewalks are proposed within the city limits of De Kalb. In addition, a portion of the project will include a drainage design featuring a new storm drain system with inlets.
The proposed typical section includes relocation of the existing trail approximately 25 feet to the south. The trail relocation will include the clearing and grading necessary to reestablish the trail. The trail reconstruction could possibly begin prior to the roadway widening. Additional right of way will be required for sections including from 0.1 mile west of US 259 to FM 1840, and from SH 98 to 0.3 mile east of I-30.
The proposed improvements to US 82 at US 259 in Bowie County, Texas include widening, realigning, and reconstructing the ramps on the east and west side of US 259. Additional ROW width is being acquired along the east and west side of the US 259 ramps.
The project is the catalyst for widespread changes through DeKalb, including the clearing of closed businesses, and the relocation of the Front Street Junction from its longtime location to the new location on the opposite side of the roadway.
DeKalb mayor Lowell Walker told the Tribune, “The construction of the widening of Highway 82 will create short term inconveniences. However, the long term benefits to the community will be significant. For example, increased business opportunities and increased traffic safety.” A pair of public meetings and a virtual meeting will soon be available for people to learn more about the US Highway 82 projects that will impact travel between New Boston and Paris over the next couple of years.
The Texas Department of Transportation will host those upcoming public hearings on proposed improvement projects slated for US Highway 82 east and west of Clarksville. Proposed improvements to the road include widening Hwy. 82, east of Clarksville, to a four-lane divided highway in rural areas and five-lane, left-turn access in suburban areas in Lamar and Red River counties.
The US 82 project west of Clarksville is approximately 20 miles and extends from West Division Street in Blossom to the intersection of Hwy 82/SH 37 in Clarksville to widen the road and include additional rights of ways that could affect displace one non-residential structure.
The two in-person public meetings are scheduled to be held in Detroit and Avery, in Red River County. Those meetings are scheduled for:
• July 11, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at Detroit High School Gymnasium, located at 610 1st Street NW, Detroit.
• July 13, from 5:30 7:30 p.m., at Avery ISD Cafeteria, located at 150 San Antonio Drive, Avery.
People will also be able to view the virtual meeting beginning July 11, from 5:30 p.m., through Friday, July 28, at midnight. The virtual meeting can be accessed via the TxDOT webpage at www.txdot.gov/ projects/hearings-meetings. html. Project materials are also available online on the project webpage. These materials will also be available in hard copy form for review at the in-person meetings.
Comments can be submitted to TxDOT project manager, Daniel Taylor, P.E., at [email protected]. or mailed to the Paris Area Engineer and Maintenance Facility, 3600 NW Loop 286, Paris 75460. Comments received or postmarked by July 28, 2023, will be included in the official record.
