This section of Hwy 154 (looking south) roadway, between FM 1567 East and Fm 1567 West, will be part of the construction zone,

that is part of the Highway 154 Improvement Project

 

Construction to Begin in the "Danger Zone"

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

If you're like me, you've noticed the construction signs going up, along Highway 154 in the Seymore Community, as you traveled to Sulphur Springs, this past week. Well, something is finally going to be done to one of the most dangerous roadways in Hopkins County, as a $3.2 million contract with D. Lemmon Construction Company has been signed. The contract calls for an approximately 2.5 mile widening of the highway and establishment of turn lanes, that will begin just north of the Old Pete McDonald Grocery and ends at the Seymore Cemetery, allowing motorist turning from Highway 154, onto the Arbala Road and the Reilly Springs Road, to have access to turn lanes.

"It's a start!" declared a life-long resident of the Seymore Community. "But, those of us who drive 154 all the time know that this is just simply the 'tip of the iceberg' in improving this hazardous roadway!"

The contract calls for the hill located just north of the Reilly Springs cut-off to be "shaved down" allowing better visibility for those motorists entering Highway 154, from that direction. "The improved visibility of actually being able to see what traffic is coming toward you will be worth the inconvenience during the construction period," commented one Reilly Springs resident. "During the daylight hours, you can't possibly see the southbound traffic, over that hill, and you're halfway out into 154, with someone barreling down on you, going 70 mph!"

TxDOT officials have met on numerous occasions with residents along the Hwy 154 roadway, promising that some improvements will be made. This is designated as "phase 1" of a three-phase improvement project, that is scheduled to include additional improvements near the Wood County Line and in the Shooks Chapel Community.

"I just hope this isn't a 'bandaide' to the much bigger problem of the entire roadway," expressed one sceptical resident. "We all know that we've received promises for the past 30 years, that something was going to be done, and then either funds wouldn't be available or they would be spent somewhere else. Something must be done in the area that those along the highway know as 'The Crump Hills.' Those hills are possibly the most dangerous place in Hopkins County, when they hold water, the pavement eats out, and you're taking you life in your own hands, when you drive that section of roadway! It's just an accident waiting to happen!"

 

Under Construction....this is a portion of the Highway 154 Improvement Project, that will be upgraded
with turn lanes, looking north from the Old Shady Oak Grocery property, at the Fm-1567 West Intersection.

 

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