The gist
In September, TxDOT published a final environmental impact statement and record of decision document, which can be viewed at www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US380EIS. The document summarized potential environmental impacts for each alignment and determined the blue alignment as the preferred alternative.
The blue alignment is composed of segments A, C and E and was TxDOT’s preferred alignment throughout the project’s planning and environmental stages. Three other alignments were considered during environmental review.
Constructing the chosen alignment is projected to cost about $3.27 billion and is the second-least expensive option, according to the document. Funding has only been partially acquired for the project.
The details
The blue alignment could potentially displace the highest number of businesses—38—and second highest number of residences—26—according to the TxDOT document. The alignment would avoid several planned and under-construction residences that would be displaced by the brown and gold alignments.
The alignment also requires the second highest number of major utility relocations at 12. The only public park expected to be impacted is Prosper’s planned Rutherford Park, which is located along US 380. All alignments would have required right-of-way acquisition from this park however.
“The blue alternative requires the second lowest acreage of new [right of way] compared to the other build alternatives while also having the least impact on mapped floodplains and regulatory floodways, wetlands, and minimizes the conversion of farmland,” the document states.
Zooming out
The US 380 bypass project began in 2016 when the Collin County Commissioners Court determined additional freeway infrastructure was needed due to the region’s growth. TxDOT initiated a feasibility study in 2017.
In February, TxDOT hosted a public hearing in McKinney after completing an environmental impact study that started in 2020. The public comment period was extended twice after the hearing.
A summary of the public hearing, including comments made, can be found at www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US380EIS.
