The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is collecting comments on the 2027 draft of its Unified Transportation Program (UTP), a rolling 10-year projection of highway and roadway plans. A virtual public hearing will be held at 2 p.m. CDT Wednesday, July 29, and comments close at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, TxDOT said.

Collin County Commissioner Darrell Hale says the current proposals do not include widening of any farm-to-market roads “and only a pittance of money” for state highways.

“As our area continues to grow, roads like FM 455, FM 545, FM 982, FM 546, FM 1827 (New Hope Road), and FM 75 are critical connections for our residents,” said Princeton Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr.

“Whether you agree or disagree with parts of the current plan, this is your opportunity to be heard. Public comments help TxDOT understand where Texans believe transportation priorities should be.”

Three areas of U.S. Highway 380 are listed.

Project No. 0135-03-060 will reconstruct six main lanes to 10 and build continuous frontage roads between FM 1827/New Hope Road and the junction of U.S. 380/West Princeton Drive. It could be let in Fiscal Years 2031-2036 with the cost of construction estimated at nearly $56.2 million.

Project No. 0135-16-004 will reconstruct and widen six main lanes to a 10-lane freeway between just north of FM 1377/Monte Carlo Boulevard and the junction of U.S. 380/East of Princeton Drive. It is estimated to cost more than $382.5 million and is not expected to be bid until Fiscal Years 2031 to 2036. 

Project No. 0135-16-005 would build continuous frontage roads from west of Princeton Drive to FM 1377 at an estimated cost of $212.3 million. It also would not be let until FY 2031-2036. 

“While the UTP is not a final step prior to the start of project construction, members of the public do have multiple opportunities to engage with and provide comments to their local TxDOT districts during the pre-construction process,” TxDOT said. “Since each project must be awarded funding to proceed, local community engagement and support increase the likelihood of a project receiving funding in the UTP.”

“Contact the state and send them a comment about what you think about the inclusion or exclusion of different state roads (US, SH, and FMs),” Hale said. “Tell them what you are dealing with on what FM, SH, or U.S Highway. Tell them your desires. Nothing will change with no comments. Tell TXDOT what you support and what you need!”

Escobar agreed, saying, “Growth is happening whether we like it or not, and our road system has to keep pace. This is one of the few opportunities where residents can directly influence the state’s long-term planning.”

There is an online comment form at surveymonkey.com/r/2027UTPOnlineCommentForm or residents may email [email protected]. Hale said that can also be used to send photos or videos.

To phone in a comment, call 800-430-2070.

The full public involvement link is https://www.txdot.gov/projects/planning/utp/utp-public-involvement.html.

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