The Texas Department of Transportation, as well as the business leaders in Lamar County, consider the development of Highway 82 through Northeast Texas as a project of significant regional importance.
“The four-laning on Highway 82 going west from the loop in Paris is considered a very high priority,” said Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville.
Community leaders hope to obtain local support for the project to make it more competitive for funding as a construction project.
“This project is one piece of a larger plan and it will require great effort on our part to make it a reality. But this challenge is actually an opportunity of a lifetime for this community to build a stronger more viable economy by building a safer, faster, more efficient, transportation system connecting us to the growing economy to the west,” Superville added.
While the four-laning of Highway 82 going from Bonham to Wichita Falls has already been constructed, the right of way from Bonham going towards the Fannin/Lamar County line has been purchased.
The four-laning of Highway 82 from Bonham to the Fannin/Lamar County line is fully funded in the approximate amount of $70 million.
The letting for construction of this portion of Highway 82 is expected to begin this summer.
It is expected that Highway 82 will be four-laned from the Lamar/Fannin County line west to Wichita Falls within four years.
TxDot has selected a consulting firm to prepare a schematic design, right of way maps, cost estimates, utility relocation estimates, and receive environmental clearance for Highway 82 from the Loop in Paris, west to the Lamar/Fannin County line.
The right of way for this portion of Highway 82 has not yet been acquired, nor has its’ construction been funded.
This portion of Highway 82 is approximately 19 miles. Completion of four-laning of this portion of Highway 82 would connect Paris/Lamar County west to Wichita Falls with a four-lane highway.
The Texas Department of Transportation has been formulating this plan of action.
