Thousands of SWEPCO Customers Without Power Across East Texas
July 9, 2024 – According to SWEPCO 33,614 customers in East Texas are without electric services as an effect of tornadoes from Hurricane Beryl. Residents of East Texas began losing power as the storm moved into the area Monday. The estimated restoration of power is still to be determined in most areas.
SWEPCO serves over 500,00 customers in the area. According to their message to customer via text at 6:04 yesterday “In the wake of tornadoes, energy delivery systems are damaged. Please prepare for extended service loss while we work to restore power safely.”
Power on for Hopkins County and Surrounding Counties
July 9, 2024 – Hopkins County received the blessing of needed rain, but none of the destruction other parts of Texas received. Once a Category 5 hurricane, Beryl was classified as tropical depression when close to Sulphur Springs.
A tropical depression forms when a low pressure area is accompanied by thunderstorms that produce a circular wind flow with maximum sustained winds below 39 mph. An upgrade to a tropical storm occurs when cyclonic circulation becomes more organized and maximum sustained winds gust between 39 mph and 73 mph.
According or Encore and Farmer Electric Coop, one one residence was without power in Hopkins County.
Other regions of East Texas were not so lucky. Thousands of customer around and south of Tyler are without power this morning. Some without an estimate of when power might be restored.
Although a flood watch was issued for Hopkins County, no reports of flooding were received. Several inches of rain fell, but the rate was slow enough that most of the water was absorbed.
Armyworms are Notorious Pests that can Cause Significant Damage by Mario Villarino
July 8, 2024 – Armyworms are notorious pests that can cause significant damage to crops, pastures, and turfgrass. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers comprehensive resources and advice to help farmers and gardeners manage these pests effectively. Armyworms are the larvae of certain moth species, commonly the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the true armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta). These caterpillars are typically green, brown, or black and have distinct stripes running along their bodies. They are named for their behavior of moving in large, “army-like” groups from one area to another, devastating vegetation as they go. The armyworm life cycle begins with adult moths laying eggs on host plants or nearby surfaces. These eggs hatch into larvae within a few days. The larval stage, which causes the most damage, lasts about two to three weeks. During this time, the caterpillars feed voraciously on plant material. After the larval stage, they burrow into the soil to pupate, emerging as adult moths about a week later. This cycle can repeat several times a year, especially in warmer climates. Armyworms are highly destructive due to their feeding habits. They consume a wide range of plants, including grains (like corn, wheat, and rice), grasses, and many vegetables. Damage is often seen as ragged holes in leaves, chewed leaf margins, and in severe cases, complete defoliation. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable and can be entirely consumed, leading to significant yield losses.
Effective management of armyworms involves an integrated approach: Monitoring: Regular field scouting is crucial for early detection. Look for egg masses, young larvae, and signs of feeding damage. Use pheromone traps to monitor adult moth populations and predict larval outbreaks.
Cultural Practices: Implement crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of armyworms. Maintain healthy soil and plant vigor to reduce susceptibility to infestations. Avoid late-season planting, which can coincide with peak armyworm activity.
Biological Control: Promote natural predators such as birds, parasitic wasps, and beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings. Consider introducing commercially available biological control agents like *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt), a bacterium that targets caterpillar pests.
Chemical Control: Insecticides may be necessary when armyworm populations reach damaging levels. Select products that are effective against armyworms and follow label instructions carefully. Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to prevent resistance development.
Armyworms present a significant challenge to agricultural production, but with vigilant monitoring and a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical controls, their impact can be managed. For tailored advice and the latest information on armyworm management, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service remains a valuable resource. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Texas Schools Spending Millions on Electric Buses
Districts are buying the vehicles with grants from a $5 billion Clean Bus Program funded by federal taxpayers.
Erin Anderson | July 5, 2024
Texas school districts are taking advantage of a federal grant program to buy electric buses that will cost taxpayers millions.
The grants are part of a $5 billion Clean Bus Program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Funds for the program were included in the $454 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
According to a January press release from the Biden administration, Texas school districts are slated to receive at least $26 million in taxpayer-funded grants from the EPA program.
Fort Worth Independent School District is expected to receive $6.1 million to purchase 15 electric school buses.
Other Texas school districts selected to receive electric bus subsidies include Alief ISD ($7.9 million for 20 buses), Austin ISD ($6.25 million for 25 buses), and San Antonio ISD ($5.9 million for 15 buses).
Three corporations—Envirotech Vehicles, Lion Electric, and Highland CSB 1, LLC—will receive $78 million from taxpayers to provide electric buses to multiple school districts in Texas and other states.
Fort Worth ISD recently previewed the new buses, manufactured by Georgia-based Blue Bird.
The electric school buses cost $350,000 to $400,000, about four times the cost of diesel buses.
An analysis by the Electric School Bus Initiative determined that electric buses save $100,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over a 15-year lifespan, compared to an equivalent diesel bus.
Even so, the electric buses would still cost school districts far more than their diesel counterparts without massive subsidies from federal taxpayers.
For now, the Biden administration’s subsidies are driving “a boom in electric school bus sales” for Blue Bird and other manufacturers.
The buses have a range of up to 120 miles before they need to be refueled. Recharging takes three to eight hours, depending on the type of charger.
Aside from the cost, Texans are concerned about how the expanded use of electric vehicles will impact the state’s power grid.
The EPA will offer more taxpayer-funded electric bus subsidies in future rounds of grants.
The Clean Bus Program falls within Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal programs to “disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.”
This article originally appeared here.
A Visit From Santa in July Mentioned on This Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain stopped by to visit. The two discuss the Sulphur Springs Library’s website, sslibrary.org, and some of the features it offers. They also talked about the ratings site, commonsensemedia.org, and all that it has to offer parents and guardians. John Mark and Hope also chatted about other resourceful websites sslibrary.org has links to. The conversation came to a conclusion with the topic of the Sulphur Springs Public Library’s Story Hour on July 16, 2024 having the theme, “Christmas in July”. Hope Cain mentioned a special guest will drop down the chimney for a visit on that day. This and more is discussed on this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey… Be sure to check it out below!
Make Your Own Hot Pepper Spray From Master Gardener David Wall
July 7, 2024 – Many of you probably have or carry pepper sprays in your pocket or purse to deter bad guys. These containers are compact and can quickly deter a bad guy. The only problem with a spray is its short duration. It would be nice to have a spray bottle that could be used repeatedly at home, and in the garden.
Pepper sprays are safer that chemical pesticides and repellents. They are non-toxic to your vegetable plants and won’t harm pollinators. Also, it deters, not kills, except for spider mites and cabbage worms. Pepper sprays leave a “hot” layer of heat on the plant which pests don’t like.
Cayenne is the most used pepper, but hotter peppers up to habanero can also be used. Peppers can be powder, dried, fresh, or flakes. Adding garlic can intensify the spray. To make your pepper spray, take one gallon of water, 10 cayenne peppers (or 5 tablespoons of pepper flakes or powder), and six cloves of garlic. Use a blender to puree the peppers and garlic.
Now, add the water, stir, and simmer on stovetop for 30 to 45 minutes. All this is done to increase absorption of the pepper oils into the water. Remove heat, wait 24 hours, and strain through a cloth. Store in a sealed container or spray bottle for up to a month. Add a few drops of natural biodegradable dish soap for better plant adhesion when putting in a sprayer.
Best time to apply is early in the evening. Avoid spraying in the heat of the day. Be sure to spray as much of the underside of plants where smaller pests love to hang out. Reapply every few days and whenever it rains.
Always wash vegetables to rinse off any of pepper residue. If not, you’ll get some “hot” produce!
Hopkins County United Way Excess Allocation Check Distribution
July 7, 2024 – On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the Hopkins County United Way distributed Excess Allocation Checks. The event was held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Thanks to the generous community of Hopkins County, United Way received contributions exceeding original allocations for the 2022-2023 Campaign, Chaired by Emily Glass. Hopkins County United Way Board members were pleased to distribute an additional $42,638.77 to select non-profit organizations supported by the 2022-2023 Campaign. Each organization received a portion of the excess. Each non-profit mentioned in the blow video serves people who live in Hopkins County. “Local dollars helping local people.” The Hopkins County United Way thanks donors for their generous support! Be sure to check out the event in the video down below.
City Managers Report July 2nd 2024
CLAIMS – We had one workers’ compensation claim in June for poison ivy exposure. We did not have any liability claims.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
We have applied for a $250,000 grant from the General Land Office (GLO) to help pay for the plan. They required an amendment to our Financial Management Policy. The amendment was approved at the May meeting. The GLO says that they will make a decision on July 15.
COLLEGE STREET –
The College Street project is completed!
HOLIDAY DRIVE –
Water and sewer lines are completed. The Capital Construction Division has installed about 90% of the underground drainage. After the drainage is completed the Capital Construction Division will replace some of the curbs and then Texana Land and Asphalt will pave the street. This is a complete reconstruction project, like College Street. After Holiday Drive Capital Construction crews will move to Alabama Street and Thermo for water main and sewer main installation.
WATER FILTER REHABILITATION –
The project is 99% finished. A bit of painting and cleaning is all that remains.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) –
Following is the list of streets to be repaved in the 2024 Street Improvement Program. The highlighted streets have been completed. I expect Oak, Melony, and League to be completed by the next city council meeting. Carter, Weaver, and Shook should be completed in August.
| Street | Between | Length |
| League | Asphalt Repairs | 1000 |
| League | Connally to KCS Rail | 1200 |
| W.A. | MLK to end | 2223 |
| Cranford | Robertson to Beasley | 1287 |
| S. Moore | Bellview to Tate | 449 |
| Oak | Gilmer to College | 3446 |
| Pollard | Mulberry to end | 211 |
| N. Davis | Glover to Airport | 1728 |
| Kirtley | Bellview to Nicholson | 412 |
| Ninth | Woodlawn to VanSickle | 845 |
| Carter | Bill Bradford to Whitworth | 2000 |
| Henderson | Craig to League | 449 |
| Melony | Azalea to end | 1215 |
| Jennings | Jefferson to College | 929 |
| Beckworth | Whitworth to Beckham | 690 |
| Sharon | W. Industrial to W. Pampa | 803 |
| Spence | Lemon to Carter | 639 |
| Weaver | Jackson to Teer | 2877 |
| Shook | Weaver to Jefferson | 536 |
| Jacobs | Houston to Bonner | 848 |
| 23,787 |
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES –
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the usual report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Demolished 3 structures, 1 on Ross Street and 2 on Jefferson.
- Power washed the interactive fountain and the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial fountain.
- Changed out downtown banners.
- Fertilized grass and flowers downtown.
- Held 83 activities at the Senior Center.
- Hosted 3 softball tournaments.
- Removed dead trees from parks.
- Rented the Grays Building 17 times.
- Mowed the airport twice.
- Conducted 59 building inspections, 37 electrical inspections, 7 plumbing inspections, 1 mechanical inspection.
- Issued 41 building permits and 80 trade permits.
- Checked out 5,573 items from the Library.
- Responded to 284 fire/rescue calls including 17 grass fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance of 30 fire hydrants. Conducted 30 fire inspections.
- Responded to 284 animal control calls while achieving an 80% adoption rate. • Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,142 police 911 calls.
- Responded to 35 accidents, issued 503 citations, recorded 45 offences and made 33 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Sold 3,797 gallons of AvGas and 6,729 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,550 airport operations including 375 for the Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) event.
- Restored power to Highway 11 lift station and Cantex lift station (behind hospital) after storms.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of 0.71 mg/L.
- Hauled 309 tons of Sludge to the landfill.
- Repaired 11 water main breaks.
- Replaced 15 water meters.
- Unstopped 25 sewer mains.
- Washed 79,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 37 dead-end water mains.
Dinner Bell for July 10th, 2024
The Dinner Bell is pleased to Honor Grocery Supply Company and Fidelity Express for many years of contributions and personal involvement with its ministry.
Grocery Supply Company was founded in 1947 in Mt. Vernon, Texas by Curtis McKenzie, Kenneth McKenzie and Woodrow Brittain. In 1953 it moved to Sulphur Springs on Oak Avenue at the train tracks. Presently the operation is located at the corner of Hillcrest Drive N and Main Street. Its purpose and business model is “Impacting Lives Through Exceptional Service” as a full-line wholesale distribution company for convenience stores in fourteen states.
Today GSC Enterprises, Inc operates two primary business segments: Grocery Supply Company that meets the needs of dry, refrigerated and frozen items for convenience stores and Fidelity Express. Fidelity Express, established in 1988, provides financial services such as money orders, bill pay, prepaid cards, gift cards and other walk-in cash products for independent retailers in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
GSC remains a family owned and operated business with second and third generations of the McKenzie family at its leadership. That family is truly devoted not only to its employees, their families and their customers, but also to the communities GSC Enterprises, Inc serves.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Lemon Sheet Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL LURKING IN OUR MIDST. WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Paris District Road Report for Week of July 8, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 8, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased 30 percent in Texas from 2018 through 2022 and now account for one in five of all roadway deaths. In 2022, there were 5,766 crashes involving pedestrians in our state, resulting in 830 deaths. Another 1,526 people were seriously injured.
The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:
- Pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Driver inattention.
- Speeding.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. All of us share a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero. TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.
For pedestrians
- Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
- Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Use the sidewalk. If there is not one, walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic is obstructed or unsafe.
- When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
- Stay visible. Wear reflective materials and use a flashlight at night.
For drivers
- Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
- Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 will be closed to traffic beginning July 12 to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform base repairs, milling, and a pavement overlay.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 75 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from FM 902 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. Beginning July 8 the FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River will be closed to traffic permanently for removal as part of the new Lake Ralph Hall project. Traffic is asked to use SH 34 as the alternate route to FM 2990. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorists of the upcoming closure.
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek is reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of July 8, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
PR 34, from FM 273 to End of Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to End of Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1743, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform paving operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor has finished the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. Contractor has placed temporary striping and is backfilling pavement edges throughout the project. Guard fence and mow strip work is underway. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. Nighttime operations are currently being used for several cross culvert locations. The contractor is placing geogrid and flexbase on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing fog seal on inhouse seal cot roads.
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