TxDOT press release
The third construction project to expand US 175 from two lanes to four lanes from Baxter to Frankston through Henderson and Anderson counties is now under way. The contractor is A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo, Texas.
The Phase III project starts 0.85 miles east of FM 315 in Poynor and travels southeast for 3.7 miles to SH 155 in Frankston. A pre-construction meeting between TxDOT, Helmcamp and utility contractors was held Friday, April 29, to discuss the project timeline, methods of operation, safety and other important details of the job. The contractor has been allotted 571 working days to complete the project.
Motorists should notice the barricades and signage now in place along the project limits of the $27.6 million project as well as workers and equipment. The contractor is clearing right of way from Poynor to County Road 303 (CR) on the north side of US 175 as well as conducting drainage work near the county road. Shoulder work is also occurring on eastbound US 175 in preparation for a traffic shift between CR 303 and Frankston.
The three projects cover 13.8 miles and have a total cost in excess of $105 million expanding U.S. 175 from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a depressed median.
Phase I construction started April 6, 2015 and runs 6.7 miles from 0.1 miles southeast of FM 804 near Baxter southeast to 1.1 miles east of Loop 60E at Larue. A.L. Helmcamp, Inc. (Buffalo, Texas) and Big Creek Construction, (Hewitt, Texas) partnered on this $39.2 million contract.
Phase II construction began in October 2015. It stretches 3.4 miles from 1.1 miles east of Loop 60E at Larue southeast to 0.85 miles east of FM 315 in Poynor. A portion of this phase is being built on new location around the south side of Poynor. The contractor for the $37.8 million contract is Sundt Construction, Inc., of San Antonio.
The projects are designed to improve safety and reduce congestion along the heavily traveled roadway. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2019.