This scene at the intersection of Arbala Road and the new Highway-11 Extension will be opened on Tuesday,
following the Ribbon Cutting.

 

Tuesday Ribbon Cutting Will Open
Scenic Highway-11 Extension to Public

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Construction has already begun on the foundation dirt at the site of the new Middle School, located on
the Highway-11 Extension.

 

The long anticipated opening of the scenic Highway-11 extension, from Highway 154/Broadway Street to State Highway-11, will become a reality, following a Tuesday morning ribbon cutting, to be hosted at 9:00 a.m. "We've waited a long, long time for this to happen," advised local businessman and realtor, Tim Kelty. "We've over come many obstacles and worked with all of the property owners and TxDot, to make this a reality. Did you know that then City Manager, Olen Petty, proposed such a thoroughfare for the area, as far back as 1992?"

The extension of the east-west traffic artery in the southern part of the city, where growth has been increased, will hopefully divert traffic from the overburdened Broadway Street overpass and make traffic in the area more manageable, as well as open a new spectrum for future city growth. "Already this is plans for the new school, an apartment complex, a funeral home, and then several other projects 'on the drawing board' for future business expansion," denoted Kelty.

 

Scenic and choice properties are located all along the frontage of the new Highway-11 extension project.

 

 

 

 

"Ironically, this is the first major expansion project to divert traffic in and around Sulphur Springs, by creating new pavement, since the Loop 301 installation in 1969," continued Kelty. "And, I-30 was opened in 1954. I remember that project, because my father, Maurice Kelty, acted as the property procurement for the I-30 project, and as a 16 year old kid, I helped him with the titles and some of the leg-work!"

Kelty, who owns property along the new Highway-11 expansion project, has been a strong supporter of this new phase of highway construction, and aided in property and easement procurements.

 

Looking east, toward the Broadway Street entrance, this will be the site of the Ribbon Cutting
on Tuesday.

 

 

"Yes, we're in a commercial "down-turn" in the real estate market, at the present time, due to the economy, but I don't think we will see nothing but growth and expansion, in this area of the county, and we're looking at a great highway for moving traffic through the area, and a place for future growth," expressed Kelty. "It's going to be amazing how the area will grow and develop!"

Kelty, TxDot, and all those associated with the project, invites everyone out on Tuesday morning for the ribbon cutting and opening of Hopkins County's newest highway! Those attending need to make plans to be at the Broadway entrance to the new roadway, for the official opening!

 

This scene from the new highway is as you approach State Highway-19, and shows the surfaces already prepared
for the anticipated traffic, opening next week.

 

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