TxDOT reveals plans to widen U.S. 190 Posted On: Friday, Nov. 20 2009 05:26 AM By Hailey Persinger
Killeen Daily Herald

The Texas Department of Transportation is planning for an estimated $120 million worth of widening and other changes to U.S. Highway 190 to keep up with Killeen's growing population.

During a public meeting Thursday, TxDOT officials outlined their plans to widen U.S. 190 from Fort Hood's Bernie Beck Main Gate to Farm-to-Market Road 2410 in Harker Heights. The ever-growing number of drivers who use U.S. 190 was a catalyst for TxDOT to make transportation easier for Central Texans.

The highway would be widened from four lanes to six. TxDOT also plans to widen the adjacent frontage roads and build east- and westbound turnarounds at the intersection of 190 and Jasper Road.

Kevin Dickey, project engineer, told attendees that the long-term goal is to have large turnaround ramps at either end of the project but that funding for those could take time to acquire.

At present, no funding is appropriated for the project at all, but the state organization is making plans so residents are prepared for construction as well.

Ken Roberts, public information officer for TxDOT, said the widening will affect eight commercial businesses and 11 residences but that TxDOT has plans in place to notify those property owners.

"It's not a matter of we offer you a certain amount of money and that's the end of it," Roberts said. "There are a number of offers and counteroffers."

Jim Butler, Killeen's director of public utilities, said TxDOT's use of business or residential property is not meant to displace anyone and will have few effects.

"Our intent is not to displace anyone," he said.

According to information TxDOT representatives distributed to the meeting's attendees, projections for 2011 show 141,000 cars will use the stretch of U.S. 190 set to be widened every day. TxDOT projects that that number will grow significantly in the next 25 years, with more than 200,000 cars projected by 2031.

That amount of growth, Butler said, warrants large projects such as the Rosewood Drive overpass project that was approved by TxDOT in October and widening U.S. 190.

As Killeen continues to grow its job market with the addition of a new building at Metroplex Hospital and a future large-scale retail center on the east side, the influx of new residents will continue, Butler said.

"We've got a lot going on," he said. "We've got too much going on for us not to be growing like crazy."

TxDOT officials plan for another public meeting next spring or summer though a date has not yet been set.

Contact Hailey Persinger at haileyp@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7568.