Transportation
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
TxDOT provides updates on US 75 HOV lane project to Richardson council Richardson drivers may have noticed a change in traffic patterns on US 75—and more changes are coming, according to a TxDOT presentation given to Richardson City Council. During the Jan. 27 meeting, TxDOT Collin County Area Engineer Jennifer Vorster updated council on a project to rename the high-occupancy vehicle lanes on US 75 with what the department calls “technology lanes.” “What that means is that for 22 hours a day ... you’ll be able to use [the HOV lane] as a lane for everybody,” Vorster said. “[The HOV lane] will function as a fifth lane.” The details The purpose of the project is to expand US 75 to five lanes by eliminating the HOV lanes, which are underutilized, by removing the pylons sepa- rating northbound and southbound HOV lanes from I-635 to SH 121. Additional improvements include enhancements to lighting and signage, which requires constructing a new center divider between the northbound and southbound lanes. “We’re getting rid of that temporary barrier and putting in that nice permanent barrier all the way through,” Vorster said. Vorster said the center barrier is currently under construction from President George Bush Tollway to SH 121. Drivers can expect closures in the HOV lanes from PGBT to I-635 beginning in the summer or early fall. The project is expected to be com- pleted by the end of 2026, Vorster said, adding that it is currently ahead of schedule.
Glenville Drive construction to finish Road construction to Glenville Drive from Arapaho Road to Campbell Road are behind schedule but “progressing well,” Richardson City Manager Don Magner said. The details Work on the project began in 2023 and the project consists of reconstructing pavement, public utility improvements and improve- ments to traffic signals, lighting and pedes- trian sidewalks and bike lanes. The project was set to be completed in late 2024, but is now expected to finish in 2025. To make room for the bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks, the road will be reduced from four lanes to two lanes. Funding the project The budget for the project is $23.6 million and funding comes from the 2015 bond, the 2021 bond, certificates of obligation and grants.
Mckinney
121
75
Plano
PGBT TOLL
Richardson
635
N
The background Council was first briefed on the $57 million project in April 2023 and work began in March 2024. The project will convert existing HOV lanes to general purpose lanes by removing the pylons separating the northbound and southbound HOV lanes. The lanes will only be limited to HOVs, low-emission vehicles and motorcycles during high traffic hours—7-9 a.m. in the southbound lane and 4-6 p.m. in the northbound lane.
E. CAMPBELL RD.
75
E. ARAPAHO RD.
N
Greenville Avenue, Renner Road work cause closures Richardson drivers can expect lane closures on Greenville Avenue between Spring Valley Road and Huffhines Street. The details Lane closures began Feb. 3 so that crews can begin work on a storm sewer and water line. While crews are working, northbound traffic will be according to the city’s website. What else Additionally, drivers can also expect to see lane closures on Renner Road road at three locations: The right turn lane of westbound Renner Road onto northbound Plano Road
75
RENNER RD.
N
HUFFHINES ST.
The right lane of westbound Renner Road between Alma Road and Custer Parkway The right lane of eastbound Renner Road at US 75.
diverted into one of the existing southbound lanes. Construction is expected to last about two weeks,
E. SPRING VALLEY RD.
N
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook