SH-205: It’s almost done!
The State Highway 205 expansion project through the City of Rockwall is nearing completion, marking the end of a project that started in 1984 when 13 alternative routes were presented to city officials.
The 205 project extends from Sids Road north to just north of the downtown Rockwall square.
Traffic delays are expected when northbound traffic is moved to the new lanes scheduled to open February 11 and while traffic signals are re-programmed. Flagmen will direct traffic as necessary throughout the day.
The new southbound lanes are scheduled to open by the end of the day on February 15.
The final route for SH 205 wasn’t selected until 1993 when the six-lane design was approved by Rockwall City Council under then-mayor Alma Williams.
Lack of state funding for highway projects delayed construction until the beginning of 2007 when work on the estimated four-year project got underway.
City Manager Julie Couch remembers the years of debate between council members, residents and state officials over the selection of a route.
“We are so thrilled to have the main artery through town opened,” Mrs. Couch said. “It’s been a long-time coming. I’m thrilled!”
After the traffic switch, there will be periodic lane closures in some areas of the roadway while minor work is completed, said City Engineer Chuck Todd, but the state has not provided a final completion date for that work.
For more information or questions about the traffic switch, please contact Kevin Lay, TXDOT Project Manager at (214) 320-6100 or Mr. Todd at (972) 771-7746.
Rockwall Texas SH-205 Construction Notice
TXDOT will open all northbound lanes of SH-205, from Sam Houston, to the north end of the project (north of downtown Rockwall, Texas), on Thursday, February 11, beginning at 7:00 AM. Southbound traffic will remain on the existing one-lane roadway while the temporary pavement markings are removed and the lanes are restriped. The switch-over will take all day on Thursday and will include re-programming the timing on the traffic signals.
Traffic delays are expected on Thursday, February 11, as the lanes are opened and traffic signals are programmed. Flagmen will be directing traffic as necessary throughout the day.
The restriping and opening of the remaining SH-205 southbound lanes should be complete by Monday, February 15.
Please contact Kevin Lay, TXDOT Project Manager, at 214-320-6100 or Chuck Todd, Rockwall City Engineer, at 972-771-7746, with questions about the upcoming traffic switch.
Rockwall County plans emergency exercise
Rockwall County a
nd the cities of Rockwall, Heath, Royse City, Fate and McClendon Chisholm will conduct an emergency exercise on Saturday, February 27 from 8-11 a.m. near the intersection of T.L. Townsend and Whitmore Drive in the City of Rockwall.
The exercise is intended to allow local responders in fire, police, public works and emergency medical services practice their emergency roles in response to a weather emergency. The agencies involved will take part in simulating their duties called for in the Rockwall County Emergency Plan.
Residents can expect to see fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and other official traffic engaged in the practice exercise, so please do not be alarmed by this activity.
For further information, please call Rockwall County Emergency Management at 972-204-7080.
Rockwall Road Closing
The City of Rockwall announced that beginning Monday, January 4, Emma Jane will be closed at the FM-740 and SH-205 intersection due to TXDOT construction. This closure should be the last of the major intersection closures. Texas Department of Transportation will open portions of the intersection as the construction allows. For more information, please call City Engineer Chuck Todd at (972) 771-7746.