LOOP 9 COULD DISPLACE RESIDENTS

ELLIS COUNTY – Ever since I moved to Dallas/Ellis County, I have heard of Loop 9.

On Dec. 8 and 13, the Texas Department of Transportation will be holding a public hearing set for yet another Loop 9 discussion.

TxDot is proposing to construct Loop 9, segment A, which is a six-lane new location frontage road system, between US 67 and Interstate 35E through Dallas and Ellis Counties.

The public hearing on Dec. 8 will be regarding a draft environmental impact statement available, which is available for public review.

A virtual and in-person hearing will be on Dec. 8, and an in-person only hearing will be held on Dec. 13.

The proposed Loop 9, segment A project is roughly 9.4 miles. The proposed new location roadway not only will be in Dallas and Ellis Counties but surrounding communities as well.

Segment A would include an eastbound and westbound frontage road facility, each consisting of three 12-foot lanes, an eight-foot inside shoulder, and an eight-foot outside shoulder.

The proposed project right-of-way would include a median that is 358 to 512-feet wide that would accommodate the future construction of an ultimate access-controlled mainlane facility.

There has also been a 10-foot-wide berm preserved on either side of the proposed ROW to accommodate a future shared-used path.

The proposed ROW acreage is about 597 acres. This project would run through the cities of Cedar Hill, Ovilla, Glenn Heights and Red Oak.

The project if approved would potentially displace 36 residences, three businesses, and 59 non-residential or commercial structures. It is also noted the project would involve construction in wetlands and an action in a floodplain.