TxDOT plans to widen FM 407 through southern Denton County, which has become a headache for many commuters. However, Argyle believes the proposed plans might be too big for the town’s liking.
The Texas Department of Transportation held a public hearing April 30 outlining plans to widen 11.5 miles of FM 407 from west of Justin to east of Argyle.
The proposal would expand FM 407 into a six-lane divided roadway with pedestrian and bicycle accommodations throughout the corridor.
“This caused immediate concern when it came through our office because we said, ‘This doesn’t look like it matches the rural character of our town,’” said Town Manager Mike Sims.
In response, the Argyle Town Council approved a resolution during a special meeting Monday requesting several modifications to the project.
Under the resolution, the town agreed with TxDOT’s proposal for six lanes between I-35W and the new Argyle Middle School being constructed near Cactus Canyon restaurant. However, from that point east to FM 1830, the town requested the roadway be limited to four lanes with traffic-calming features and enhanced pedestrian crossings near the proposed Town Center District.
The resolution only includes the section of FM 407 within the town’s limits.
TxDOT also wants to shift FM 407 to the north just east of the intersection of FM 407 at Hwy 377, which the town believes will be dramatically impactful to the landowners in that area.
In addition, the town is requesting TxDOT add in free right turns and dual left turn lanes in all directions at the intersection of FM 407 and Hwy 377.
The town also asked TxDOT to properly align Stonecrest Road where it crosses FM 407.
“That’s one of the most dangerous places we have,” said Mayor Ron Schmidt. “A lot of the time, you’re just taking your chances trying to get across.”
According to Sims, the town’s concern is the amount of land TxDOT will need to build a divided, six-lane roadway.
“An overly [large] median for expanding to six lanes in the future means an overly large right of way take,” he said. “Which is impactful to all of our rural living that happens from Myrtle Drive all the way to the east.”
The town also requested TxDOT focus on larger culverts and other methods to ensure drainage doesn’t become an issue as the road expands.
Schmidt said the town would also be tasked with maintaining the land TxDOT plans to build on.
“We’re currently mowing the right of way for TxDOT if we want it to look [good], so imagine a wide median, we would have to take care of that, as well,” he said. “It’s silly – and we couldn’t plant trees because if they widen in the future, we lose those trees.”
Currently, FM 407 east of Argyle from FM 1830 to I-35E is four lanes, with two lanes in each direction.
According to Sims, TxDOT does not have the right of way there to expand FM 407 to six lanes in the future – another reason the town doesn’t believe it would be any use to do it through Argyle.
“Past FM 1830, there is no way to widen it to six lanes, so what’s the point,” said Schmidt. “We’re not planning on adding thousands of people to our community, it’s mostly for the west side.”
According to the town, the project is maybe 10 years or more out before construction starts, but Sims and Schmidt wanted to take action now before TxDOT gets set in its plans.
The widening proposal is separate from TxDOT’s planned FM 407 “Breakout Project” at I-35W, which aims to improve traffic flow as commuters cross, enter or exit I-35W.
TxDOT has not started the breakout project, yet, but Denton County broke ground on its “Micro Breakout” project in April that aims to help southern Denton County drivers now, while waiting on TxDOT to start its work.
