Collin County commissioners took another step toward converting FM 546 into a realigned six-lane thoroughfare that would serve as an alternative to US 380.

At its April 5 meeting, the Commissioners Court approved hiring engineering firm BGE Inc. to complete Phase 2 of a corridor study, which includes analyzing new alignments for an expansion of FM 546, soliciting public input, creating a schematic design and receiving environmental clearance for a section of FM 546. The study area for FM 546 runs between Bridgefarmer Road in Lowry Crossing and the intersection of Harry McKillop Boulevard and the current FM 546 south of the McKinney National Airport.

Some preliminary work that would traditionally be included in the scope of this phase of development was completed in Phase 1 to reduce overall costs and expedite this phase. The first phase studied alignments between Bridgefarmer and US 380 in Princeton, and the final public hearing for selecting an alignment of that section was held March 25.

The final design of the expanded road would come after construction funding is identified.