City of Heath Secures $18.2 Million from TxDOT for FM 740 Improvements
The City of Heath has secured anticipated funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the second phase of the FM 740 widening project.
Pavement, grading and drainage will be improved from FM 1140 South to FM 1140 North in Heath. The 1.8-mile project was awarded to ED Bell Construction in the amount of $12.9 million.
In addition, the Texas Transportation Commission approved $1.25 million in improvements on FM 740 in various locations within the City of Heath. Those include new sidewalks, installation of crosswalks and school zones. This contract was also awarded to ED Bell Construction.
“The City of Heath received this funding because we allocated $4.2 million in local City funding for Phase 2 of the FM 740 TxDOT project. If the local funds had not been available, the TxDOT funding would have been directed to another TxDOT roadway project,” said Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty.
TxDOT funding is available only for state thoroughfare projects such as the widening of FM 740 and not for the construction, maintenance and repair of non-TxDOT roadways such as City of Heath streets. The City contributed $1.3 million towards Phase 1 of the FM 740 widening project, completed in the Fall of 2012.
“Through careful budgeting and the Council’s recent approval of a Capital Improvement Plan, we have been prepared to respond to this funding opportunity that continues the widening of FM 740 through Heath as well as other important improvements and repairs to City streets and roadways,” said Mayor Liechty.
Construction start dates for Phase 2 of FM 740 will be established in upcoming meetings between TxDOT and the contractors. For more information about the City of Heath’s Capital Improvement Plan, click here or call 972-771-6228.
