Plans announced for additional expansion of I-30

Brad Kellar, Rockwall County Herald-Banner, Greenville, Texas
Updated ·2 min read

Apr. 5—Herald-Banner Staff Report

State transportation officials have scheduled virtual and in-person meetings this month to advise the public of plans to expand Interstate 30 through Mesquite and to the western edge of Lake Ray Hubbard.

The Texas Department of Transportation has announced it is planning to widen I-30 between Ferguson Road and Bass Pro Drive.

A virtual public meeting will be posted on Thursday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. through Friday, May 12. The materials can be viewed at any point during the period. The meeting will be available at https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/I30FergusontoBassPro.

TxDOT is hosting the in-person open house meeting option at 5:30 p.m. April 27 at the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N Galloway Ave, in Mesquite.

The proposed project consists of approximately 12 miles of improvements to I-30 from Ferguson Road to Bass Pro Drive located within the cities of Dallas, Mesquite, and Garland. The proposed project would include six to twelve main lanes (three to six travel lanes in each direction) varying throughout the project limits; zero to two reversible managed lanes; two to three frontage road lanes in each direction; and a 10-foot shared use path along both sides of I-30 for a majority of the project limits for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Based on the proposed improvements, the right of way (ROW) widths would range between 300 to 450 feet. Additional right-of-way and easements would be required, and two non-residential structures are anticipated to be displaced.

The project is the latest effort announced as part of the overall plan to expand the interstate between Dallas and eventually through Hunt County.

As a part of the $142 million I-30 corridor expansion project, new frontage road bridges are being constructed across Lake Ray Hubbard from Bass Pro Drive to Dalrock Road. Additionally, the Dalrock Road interchange will be rebuilt.

Future projects will widen I-30 and add continuous frontage roads throughout Rockwall County. The work is part of TxDOT's Texas Clear Lanes effort to relieve congestion.

The latest update of the Hunt County Transportation Implementation Plan includes TxDOT's proposal to widen Interstate 30 to six lanes throughout Hunt County and to build new interchanges at several exits. Contracts have already been let for the Monty Stratton Parkway, FM 1570 and FM 1903 exists along the highway.

Monty Stratton and FM 1903 are expected to be widening the intersections on either side of I-30, while FM 1570 will require the existing overpass to be destroyed and rebuilt as the roads to the north and south are realigned.