The Forney City Council has big plans for FM 740 and they voted to approve a bid from a construction company to make massive improvements to the road. They also voted to approve a speed reduction for a small part of FM 740 at their Council meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.
The Forney City Council has big plans for FM 740 and they voted to approve a bid from a construction company to make massive improvements to the road. They also voted to approve a speed reduction for a small part of FM 740 at their Council meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.
Construction
The City received five construction bids on the FM 740 project. Staff chose the lowest bid, which came from MacMahon Contracting, LP for just under $5.8 million dollars. In a letter from TxDOT it says that funds for the project will be “allocated in accordance with the Federal Project Authority and Agreement.” It goes on to say, “The City is responsible for any non-federal and non-state costs and will be reimbursed as per the pass-through agreement.” The City previously sold bonds on this Pass-Through Toll project, similar to the projects at FM 548 and Highway 80, and FM 741.
The construction project on FM 740 will start at the north end of the Pinson Road bridge, then to the intersection of Pinson and Ridgecrest, and finally continuing on past Criswell Elementary School to Heritage Hill Drive. The entire roadway is being rebuilt in concrete, four lanes undivided, with curbs, gutters and sidewalks. According to Assistant City Manager Gina Nash, the construction work could begin by mid to late March and the entire project will take one year to complete.
Related: Forney City Council discusses Highway 80 ramp design changes
New Speed Limit
The speed limit issue was raised after TxDOT performed a speed study along FM 740 from the northern city limits near Travis Ranch, to Brazos Street. FM 740 is considered to be a “TxDOT facility” and as such, when they recommend a speed zone change, the City must change the speeds.
The speed allowed in that area is currently 55 miles per hour. The study recommends reducing the speed from the city limits of Forney to just west of the By the Barnyard Gate School on FM 740. The new speed would be 45 miles per hour based on the TxDOT study. The Council passed this item unanimously. TxDOT will now be responsible for furnishing and installing the necessary signs at the appropriate locations on FM 740.
