Precinct 3 Commissioner Mikel Richardson is seeking public input on proposed routes of the Outer Loop project that could slice through Wise County.
Richardson was recently appointed by fellow commissioners to serve as their representative on the Outer Loop Council. The council is organized by a joint effort of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Some of the proposed routes enter eastern Wise County between Farm Road 455 and U.S. 380. Another enters eastern Wise County several miles south of U.S. 380.
After entering Wise County from the east, all proposed routes run between Decatur and New Fairview before exiting the southern end of the county between Farm Road 51 and Farm Road 730.
"Whether we want it or not we are going to get something over here," Richardson said. "We just have to see which route is most favorable for the county. I would like to have some public input."
The Outer Loop will be six lanes wide with a divide and possibly a rail line, Richardson said. It is expected to be at least 500 feet wide.
Planners are attempting to avoid running too close to schools or major developments. Richardson said it looks to have the biggest impact on residents living in New Fairview, Aurora and Boyd.
"It's an Outer Loop all right," said Precinct 4 Commissioner Terry Ross. "It's out a little too far."
"Or not far enough," Richardson said. "It would bring a lot of traffic into the county."
If ever built, the Outer Loop would run a full circle around the Metroplex in an attempt to remove some traffic from the crowded confines of Interstate Highway 35.
"This idea has been around for about 25 years," said County Judge Bill McElhaney. "It's recently been tied to the Trans Texas Corridor. I'm not in favor of the TTC, but rails would be good to take some traffic off the roadway."
"Fort Worth and Dallas are already connected by rail," said county engineer Chad Davis. "Some are interested in bringing a rail out here."
Davis also said he thinks the current Outer Loop map will change as more ideas are considered and implemented.
"This will be a while down the road," Richardson said. "I'm pretty sure it will be 10 to 20 years before construction starts."
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