Two public meetings are scheduled this week for discussion on possible Texas Department of Transportation plans to extend a divided, four-lane highway from Nocona west to Henrietta along U.S. Highway 82.
While highway expansion may be welcomed, local and county officials are urging TxDOT to avoid any consideration of a possible by-pass around Nocona.
TxDOT is studying U.S. 82 to establish a plan to widen and create possible new alignments. Post cards were sent out to residents that could be impacted.
County elected officials got a preliminary look at the study options two weeks ago. Four options are being debated:
•A bypass around Henrietta, either north or south of the city;
• A similar bypass around Nocona;
• Whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between Nocona and the Union Pacific Railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta;
• And whether or not the second half of the roadway goes north or south of the existing roadway between the railroad underpass in Ringgold and Henrietta.
The first hearing will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Holman Center, 211 W. Clay in Henrietta. The second is the same time on Feb. 1 at the Nocona Community Center, 912 W. U.S. 82.
TxDOT officials will be present at the meetings, which are an open house come-and-go format.
Comments can be submitted to Shaun Barnes, P.E., at 940-720-7744 or MyProjectsWichitaFalls@txdot.gov. Comments must be submitted by Feb. 13 to be included.
The Montague County Commissioners, Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona Economic Development Corporation, City of Nocona and Nocona School Board are all drafting letters urging TxDOT to drop the option of any bypass around Nocona.