BELTON, Texas — A proposed project from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would extend I-14 from Belton to Rogers, according to the department.
According to TxDOT, the project would extend I-14 from its current terminus at I-35 in Belton to BU 190 in Rogers. To support the expansion, TxDOT is also proposing I-35 improvements in Bell County that would reportedly stretch seven miles from Loop 121 in Belton to Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 in Temple.
According to TxDOT, the proposed improvements include "improving the I-14/US 190/I-35 system interchanges, widening I-35 in Segment 1, and improving overall safety, connectivity and mobility."
The changes proposed in Segment 1 would reportedly involve increasing the current roadway to a total of four general-purpose lanes, three express lanes, two to three frontage road lanes and a shared-use path.
The entire project will reportedly be split into three segments:
- Segment 1: On I-35, north of Loop 121 in Belton to the intersection with Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 in Temple
- Segment 2: On Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 (at I-35) in Temple to SH 95
- Segment 3: On US 190/SH 36 from SH 95 to BU 190 in Rogers
TxDOT says the project is needed because the stretch of I-35 from Loop 121 in Belton to Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 in Temple:
- Is inadequate to meet current and future traffic volumes, resulting in congestion, reduced mobility and an unacceptable Level of Service on this stretch of highway
- Has safety and operation issues due to ramp and intersection configurations
- Provides important connectivity with facilities throughout the area, including the future Temple Outer Loop
- Is part of the broader expansion of I-14 and the freeway-to-freeway connections do not meet current criteria and standards for an interstate facility
TxDOT held a public meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 to discuss Segment 1 of the project. An online presentation was shared earlier that afternoon. The online component can be found at this link.
John Alexander, who has lived in Belton for 40 years, said the project is a long time coming.
"There may be people that have some reservations about these changes but it has to happen," Alexander told 6 News. "The changes they made to I-35 a couple years ago, they're already outdated. We're as congested as we ever were and so this needs to happen."
Alexander said he was pleased with the plans and conversations he had at the meeting. Another long-time Bell County resident, Charles Verheyden, said he isn't necessarily excited about the proposed plan but he is in favor of it.
"It's a necessary change," Verheyden added. "You know things are getting increasingly obstructed and it's about the more lanes, more easier turns, easier access, better flow. I was surprised looking at the map over here that as much traffic on 35 flows actually all the way through Temple and Belton."
TxDOT said the enhancements will "improve mobility and safety between urban and rural areas, military installations, maritime and economic sectors, including freight, energy, timber and agriculture."
The goal of the project is reportedly to enhance safety and operations, reduce traffic congestion, improve roadway connectivity in the I-35 corridor and accommodate the future I-14 extension.
Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in 2030, said TxDOT.
TxDOT is requesting feedback from the public on this project. You can provide a comment either by email, or mail it to the TxDOT Waco District Office at 1608 W 6th St Austin, Texas 78703. Make the attention "I-14 Extension – Segment 1."
Comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, May 17, 2024, to be included in the official record of the public meeting.
"It's really important that the community brings their perspective, their comments, their input," said Jake Smith, the spokesperson for TxDOT - Waco District. "They live here, they know what what's needed."
More information on the proposed extension, including links to online resources, can be found at this link.
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