On the road again ...
Pct. 2 projects near completion
BY CAITLIN GIDDENS Contributing Writer

As summer heats up, so do road projects. According to Precinct #2 Smith County Commissioner Bill McGinnis, most projects should be completed by the end of summer with weather permitting.

Extremely wet conditions at the beginning of the year led to several roads in Pct. 2 being plagued with potholes and washouts. Another troubling situation on Pct. 2 roads is the ongoing problem of heavy truck traffic.

"We are currently experimenting with several different road surfaces and materials," McGinnis said. "in an effort to find the most cost ef fective, yet durable, long life roads possible."

With the crew off to an early start, the road that runs about three miles on a northsouth route just north of Troup was recently completed.

"This road, CR 2147, has been completely overlayed with a new all-weather surface," McGinnis said. "which features a wider right-of-way for improved drainage and wider driving lanes for improved safety."

McGinnis has also been working to eliminate two railroad grade crossings in Pct. 2. The grade crossings on Country Road 2138 "Blackjack Road" near Whitehouse and on County Road 2147 have been abandoned by the Union Pacific Railroad.

"As the crossings are elimi- nated and paved over, the work will result in a smoother ride over the abandoned crossings for motorists," McGinnis said. "With the added benefit that school buses will no longer be required to stop at the crossings."

A project on Pleasant Hill Road to help alleviate drainage issues created by the building of new subdivisions further upstream on Hill Creek is reported well under way. Two larger culverts are being installed under the Pleasant Hill Road.

"I encouraged Oncor to clear the creek bed as it crosses their power line right-of-way just south of the Pleasant Hill neighborhood," McGinnis said. "Oncor was very cooperative and we were very happy with them. The projects are about half complete.

"Commissioners will also continue to address drainage issues with subdivision developers to take a proactive approach rather than reactive."