TxDOT is developing preliminary plans for the expansion of US Highway 271. The scope of work includes widening the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway with flush and depressed medians. The project limits are from FM 16 in Smith County north to the Upshur County line. In the city of Gladewater, the roadway expansion will follow State Loop 485 around the downtown district rather than through the city. No widening will occur in the downtown area.

Details

Enhancements include:

• Widening from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane highway with flush and depressed median sections
• Redesigning the roadway’s alignments to meet current standards

The project will require the acquisition of new right of way from adjacent property owners.

Get Involved

TxDOT plans to host a public hearing in the summer of 2021. Meeting details will be posted to this web page as soon as they are available. Adjacent property owners will receive notification by mail. All interested citizens will have an opportunity to provide comments. The public may ask questions at any time during the project development process.

To date, the following outreach has occurred:

• TxDOT presented the preferred alternative for public comment on Oct 23, 2018. A copy of this alternative is available for viewing through the Interactive Map link below.
• TxDOT presented three design alternatives for public comment on April 24, 2018, at the first public meeting.

Schedule             

The project is expected to be constructed in three phases. Phase 1 extends from FM 16 in Smith County north to State Loop 485 in the city of Gladewater. Phase 2 involves the widening of State Loop 485 around the east side of Gladewater to US Highway 80. Phase 3 continues widening State Loop 485 from US 80 north to US 271 and then along US 271 to the Upshur County line.

Next steps include:

• Public Hearing - Summer 2021
  
• Environmental Clearance - Fall 2021
• Begin Right-of-Way Acquisition - Winter 2021 (tentatively)
• Phase 1 Construction is funded in 2023, based on current financial forecasts
• Phase 2 Construction is funded in 2024, based on current financial forecasts
• Phase 3 Construction is funded in 2026, based on current financial forecasts

Downloads

• Project Map
• Interactive Map

Contact Us:

TxDOT Tyler District
Office of Advanced Project Development
2709 W. Front Street
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 510-9100
Email