Here’s Your First Look at TxDOT’s Plan to Revamp U.S. 380 Through Collin County

The Texas Department of Transportation on Monday unveiled its map to revamp U.S. Highway 380 through Collin County — a milestone in attempts to end the years-long traffic jam on 33 inadequate miles of roadway.But from what I saw on Monday — and from the rancor I’ve heard over recent months — don’t expect this plan to ease the nasty gridlock of public opinion.The recommended alignment would widen the existing Highway 380 from the Denton County line to Coit Road then incorporate three bypasses off the existing roadway. One will go east of Prosper to west McKinney. Another bypass will run north of Princeton. And the third will be routed south of Farmersville.The state also plans to expand the existing highway in two sections west of McKinney -- between the county seat and Princeton and between Princeton and Farmersville.The long debate over the future of the highway, one of the few east-west routes in fast-growing Collin and Denton counties, has divided cities against each other and stressed out residents and businesses. Along the way, TxDOT has vetted almost 15,000 public comments —many of them focused on where to widen the road and where bypasses are needed.  Continue reading...