Meeting set on proposed Rockwall County Outer Loop project

By Brad Kellar

Herald-Banner Staff

A possible new major roadway through the heart of Rockwall County is being planned by state transportation officials.

Rockwall County and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are conducting an open house public meeting and a virtual meeting concerning the proposed Rockwall County Outer Loop from FM 1138 to SH 205.

The purpose of the meeting is to present proposed project alignments within the study area and receive public feedback.

The ultimate proposed project configuration will consist of four lanes of frontage roads (two in each direction), four general purpose lanes (two in each direction), and two shared-use bicycle/pedestrian paths on each side within 500 feet of right-of-way.

The project will be constructed in phases contingent on traffic volumes and available funding.

An in-person public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Bobby Summers Middle School Cafeteria, 2050 CD Boren Parkway, Fate.

The online virtual public meeting on the proposed project will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and will remain online through 11:59 a.m. Dec. 15 at www.rockwallcountytexas.com/loop.

TxDOT staff will be on hand for the in-person public meeting to answer questions and take comments.

The virtual public meeting materials will consist of a prerecorded video presentation that includes both audio and video components, along with other exhibits.

TxDOT has announced that a feasibility study is being conducted for a 12-mile, new location roadway from FM 1138 to SH 205 in Rockwall County.

The study includes evaluating alternatives within or near the cities of Fate, Royse City, McLendon-Chisholm, and Rockwall.

The proposed roadway would connect with Collin County and Kaufman County on their respective Outer Loops, where studies are in progress.

The feasibility study and alternatives analysis are being conducted to select a preferred alternative and corridor for the entire Rockwall Outer Loop and to complete the schematic design and environmental studies for the northern segment from FM 1138 to SH 276.

The purpose of these studies is to provide a north-south roadway in Rockwall County to meet local and regional mobility needs for current and future projected traffic, reduce congestion on major roadways such as SH 205 and FM 548, improve the safety of the roadway system in Rockwall County, and to foster economic development and growth.