Jackson County Commissioners have approved a resolution to submit a letter opposing T-DOT’s decision to close State Route 53 to replace a culvert near Hurricane Branch Lane.
T-DOT has planned to fully close the highway for an estimated 50 days to complete the project. Commissioner Jeff Smallwood said the letter contains alternative suggestions to keep the highway open during construction. Smallwood said suggestions include waiting till spring to start the project, or constructing a temporary lane to use during the duration of the project.
“We have residents that live up in there, that it extremely is going to slow down emergency personnel, fire trucks, ambulances, police department,” Smallwood said. “We are asking them to open something up, so that we can still pass through Highway 53.”
Smallwood said T-DOT is expected to have a meeting next Monday to further discuss the project. Smallwood also acknowledged that a letter opposing the closure does not prevent T-DOT from closing the highway.
“All we can do is make a suggestion, and that’s what we did,” Smallwood said. “At this point, it is 100 percent on T-DOT.”
The alternative route T-DOT has proposed is going through Livingston up to Celina and back south to the other side. Smallwood said the proposed route is too long. Smallwood said he is hopeful the letter will cause T-DOT to reconsider the closure.
“Well, I’m hoping, I’m hoping,” Smallwood said. “I say the entire county government and the entire legislative body voted in favor of this letter. So they know how the complete commission feels about it. So I’m hoping it does. We will see on the 17th.”
Jackson County Commissioners approved to submit a letter during a special-called meeting on Monday. T-DOT has not officially announced when the culvert replacement project will begin.