Texas Highway Department District Engineer, Bobby Littlefield, a native of Hopkins County,
explains the plans that are underway for highway improvement on State Hwy-154, in Southern
Hopkins County, at a meeting Tuesday night!

 

Highway-154 Improvements Discussed
at Tuesday Night Meeting

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Littlefield used charts and maps to outline the plans for Hwy-154 improvements, to be done in
stages, over the next three years.

 

It was some 50 people that assembled at the Seymore Church of Christ, on Tuesday night, to hear the latest updates on the proposed TxDOT improvements to State Highway-154. In the meeting were residents that have lived on or near the highway for over a half-century and most were more than anxious to hear any plans for significant improvement. "I've lived here for almost 60 years!" declared one resident. "And, I just sit back and wonder how many lives have to be lost up and down this roadway, before something is done. It has to be the most dangerous roadway, with some of the most intense traffic, and it just seems that improvements always get put on the 'back burner,' when repairs in Hopkins County are made. You have no alternative but just to say a prayer and get out on the road!"

Attendees at Tuesday night's meeting were reminded of just how quickly danger can happen, as they started to disperse their meeting, an Arbala Fire Department truck headed north on the roadway, with sirens blaring! "You've got to wonder if there's been another wreck on one of those dangerous hills, to the north," expressed a worried resident, as he gazed to the north. "It happens all too often and there is virtually no shoulders on the road and no way to avoid an accident if you happen to top a hill and it's happened in the roadway before you!"

 

 

Littlefield explains one of the questions fielded from the audience.

 

Bobby Littlefield, District Engineer with TxDOT and a native of Sulphur Springs, was introduced by Hopkins County Precinct 1 Commissioner Beth Wisenbaker, and he outlined a plan that he seeks for improvements on the much traveled roadway, through southern Hopkins County. "We have the plans in place and the funding for a 1.5 mile project right out here in front of you," exclaimed Littlefield. "The plans call for the bids to be let in December 2009 and construction could begin as early as February 2010. That's the first of several phases, that we have in mind for the highway!"

"How sure are you that this will actually take place?" questioned Wisenbaker.

"Anything can happen, when you are dealing with Government funds, as you are aware, but I'm 95% sure that the funding will be there and that these improvements can begin as a project!" declared Littlefield, to the delight of the crowd. "I have other steps to implement in 2011 and another project for 2012, if the funding can be obtained!"

Littlefield also introduced Craig Miser, who is the new TxDOT Supervisor in Sulphur Springs, replacing Earnest Teague. Miser, along with Littlefield was available to answer questions, following the meeting.

 

Craig Miser, new Sulphur Springs TxDOT Supervisor, answers some of the concerns of citizens
who live on or near Hwy-154, at Tuesday night's meeting.

 

Residents stayed until nearly 8:00 p.m., fielding questions and looking for answers to particular concerns along the dangerous route.

 

 

"Hopefully something can be done," related one resident. "You're absolutely taking your life in your own hands to attempt to travel the roadway. There are no shoulders, steep hills, pockets of destroyed highway, and low visibility on the twelve-mile stretch of highway from the Wood County line, into Sulphur Springs. Something has to be done or lives will continue to be lost!"

 

Littlefield answers a question asked by longtime Hwy-154 resident, Ira Black, at Tuesday night's meeting.

 

Littlefield explained the property right-of-way methods and alternative construction methods that could reduce the procurement of property along the busy thoroughfare. "Original plans called for some 30 acres of property purchase, along the highway, but we've narrowed that down to 19 acres at the present, and are looking at ways to decrease even that!" denoted Littlefield. "The 1.5 mile section that we have plans to begin in December, requires no purchase of property, so that's the logical place to begin. The section will begin just north of the eastern intersection of Fm-1567 and continue to just past the Seymore Cemetery. It will be complete with a turn-lane and double lanes of traffic."

Littlefield also discussed the construction differences for a 55-mile per hour roadway and a 70-mile per hour roadway, but indicated that one must build a highway that's adequate for the future. "Bear with us and we'll get to this project, as funding allows," exclaimed Littlefield. "We want to have the plans in place, the minute that funding becomes available!"

Wisenbaker called for an additional meeting in January 2010, at the same location, so that Littlefield and Miser can update residents on the progress and hopefully already have contracts let on the first phase of the improvements!

 

Littlefield "brings out the plans" and shows residents along Hwy-154, particular designs for the highway
improvement project.

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