The southern versus northern route option for the proposed FM 1387 extension has been in the works since the late 1990s/early 2000s. Midlothian, Waxahachie, and Ellis County have had the alignment of this proposed extension on their respective thoroughfare plans since the early 2000s. The goal of the extension is to eventually extend it to IH-35 to provide for better mobility to address the growth the region anticipated.
Commissioners vote south alignment option for 1387 thoroughfare plan
ELLIS COUNTY – To the chagrin of many in the crowd last Tuesday, the Ellis County Commissioners voted 3-1 to remain with TxDOT’s southern alignment thoroughfare plan.
The vote was 3-1, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Kyle Butler the lone voice voting for the north option.
A long, complicated study put together by Alberto Mares, Ellis County’s Development Director gave the Commissioners a detailed history of the 1387 Alignment in the TxDOT Thoroughfare Plan.
The study states, “In the past 20+ years, three independent consultants and staff vetted this thoroughfare plan, especially the area within the FM 1387 corridor.
“During that period, each time the thoroughfare plan was either amended or updated, residents were given numerous opportunities to provide their input via multiple public forums and public hearings regarding this proposed alignment along with other thoroughfare segments.”
Various Commissioners Courts have approved elements of proposed thoroughfare plans and subsequent amendments over the years; February 2001, June 2007, October 2019, and September 2020.
When the Commissioners Court adopted each plan, the Department of Development took the lead in executing it and setting the tone and guidance for future mobility.
Each proposed subdivision submitted for review has since dedicated the necessary right-of-way to comply with the adopted thoroughfare plan since 2001.
After four hours of public comment on Oct. 18, 2022, the court directed staff to gather additional information to determine the best alignment.
After this study was presented and all avenues considered it was decided last week the southern alignment was the best choice.
Ellis County Judge Todd Little said, “The Southern Route has been in the thoroughfare plan for more than 20 years, and with some minor adjustments to minimize property damage to local citizens, it represents the path of least resistance when it comes to the taking of land by eminent domain; no family is required to relocate their home.”
One residents spoke vehemently against the southern option.
Vickie Dillow said she was disappointed of the outcome since there were 339 signatures opposing the commissioners court final decision and only 18 in favor of the southern option.
Commissioner Randy Stinson, pct. 1, said, “I had a conversation with Rockett Water today before I came.
“They have a water main on the south side, said it shows one on the north side, but they don’t have one on the north – may be dead or whatever.
“They do not have a water main on the north side, this is what their officials are telling me.
“But that cost won’t, even if it is to be moved, that cost won’t impact the county, because it’s in TXDOT’s easement.
“And they’re telling me that if they have to move that Rockett Water is going to have to pay for it.”
Some opposed to the southern route decision said they believed the commissioners went with least resistant option due to the Rockett Water costs and relocation if the northern route was chosen.