As relieving traffic congestion remains a priority for Texas communities, the Texas Department of Transportation has recently conducted feasibility studies for rerouting or constructing alternative routes for stretches of US 380. The proposed projects focus on the portion of US 380 that moves through the entirety of Collin County, starting at the Denton County line and moving all the way east to the Hunt County line. As construction for these traffic-reduction projects approaches, property owners in the area should be aware of potential eminent domain and condemnation issues that could arise. The Texas Department of Transportation may decide to exercise its eminent domain authority to seize privately-owned land in order to use it for these proposed construction projects. In exchange, this entity must provide you with compensation. It’s important to recognize that when a government agency exercises its eminent domain power, the legal process that follows is called condemnation. Below are a few aspects of the impending US 380 Roadway Project that may impact current property owners.
What is Driving the US 380 Roadway Project?
First, it’s helpful to understand the factors prompting this proposed US 380 Roadway Project. Most roadway construction projects arise from concerns about crumbling or inadequate infrastructure. For instance, steady population growth may become unsustainable for existing highways and roads, as the traffic volume may ultimately exceed the capacity of the current infrastructure. According to the recently released feasibility study, the “population of Collin County is projected to grow from just under 800,000 people to over 3.8 million people in 2050, according to the Texas Demographic Center.” In anticipation of this explosive growth, the Texas Department of Infrastructure is moving forward with construction projects that increase traffic flow and remove congestion from the current configuration of US 380.
Another crucial factor propelling the US 380 Roadway Project is the decreasing availability of land in the near future. As residential and commercial developers snatch up available land to build new housing or retail corridors, the Texas Department of Transportation is concerned that highway or roadway construction projects will have fewer options for traffic congestion-relief efforts.
Three Proposed Construction Projects, From West to East
The current version of the US 380 Roadway Project includes five distinct proposals. In our previous post, we explored the first two project segments: Teal Parkway/Championship Drive to Lakewood Drive in the Proper area and Coit Road to FM 1827 in the McKinney area. Below are the other three project segments, presented in order spanning from west to east in Collin County.
Spur 399 Extension from US 75 to US 380
This project aims to “improve north-south mobility and connectivity of travelers from eastern Collin County to destinations south of McKinney, including the Dallas Metroplex.” The current infrastructure of Spur 399 is 0.5 miles long and serves as the transition between SH 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT) and SH 5 (located just south of McKinney. As the project moves forward, information gathered from various feasibility studies will determine how to relieve the anticipated increase in traffic volume along Spur 399. For instance, the Texas Department of Transportation may consider adding new, alternate routes closer to McKinney National Airport to move traffic more directly and efficiently from Princeton to areas south of McKinney. Those who own private property in this area should consider reaching out to a condemnation lawyer to learn more about their options.
US 380 from FM 1827 to CR 560 in Princeton Area
The goal of this specific project is to “reduce congestion, improve mobility and operations, and enhance safety by accommodating current and future traffic demands as a result of rapid development in Collin County.” According to the latest feasibility studies, this project is justified because the current stretch of US 380 roadway fails to meet current freeway design standards. The project length is approximately 11.8 miles, and it would establish a new location freeway starting at FM 1827 and ending north of Princeton, where it would reintegrate the existing US 380 alignment just west of Lavon Lake. If you own property in this area, contact a knowledgeable condemnation attorney to discuss how this project could impact your land.
US 380 from CR 560 to CR 699 (Hunt County Line) Near Farmersville
The easternmost segment of the proposed US 380 Roadway Project concerns the stretch of freeway between CR 560 and CR 699, where Collin County ends and Hunt County begins. The project length is approximately 8.5 miles, and intends to develop a new freeway facility located slightly south of Farmersville. The existing stretch of US 380 would remain, but this newly developed route would relieve traffic congestion and provide an alternative route for those traveling west or east through Collin County. In light of these upcoming construction projects, contact an experienced condemnation lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Reach out to Sewell Sewell Beard LLC by calling (972) 777-5390 to discuss your concerns with a trusted and experienced Prosper, Texas condemnation attorney.
