TxDOT continues construction of curb ramps in Paris & Cooper

Posted on Feb 20, 2013 in Extra Articles, Local News by Josh Allen

Last year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) awarded a contract to Interstate Improvement, Inc. of Fairbault, MN for $1,629,779.06.  This contract provides for the construction of curb ramps at intersections in Clarksville, Paris and Cooper.

“We are currently about 75% complete with the project, and weather permitting, we will hopefully be finished by the end of March,” stated TxDot Public Information Officer, Tray Turner.  ”In addition to the weather, as long as there are no major unforeseen complications involved with the project it will continue to move along smooth and fast, as it has been going so far.”

The work is being performed to improve accessibility at these intersections and to bring them into compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The ramps and adjacent sidewalks will be closed to pedestrian traffic while workers are present.

On occasion, traffic will be held by flagmen when workers must temporarily be located in the traveled way.  Advanced warning signs will be used to alert both drivers and pedestrians alike that they are entering a construction zone.  Access to adjacent properties and places of business near the construction areas will be maintained throughout the duration of contract work.

Safety is a priority in these work zones and TxDOT urges the traveling public to observe warning signs during the construction of this project. It is TxDOT’s mission to work with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas.

“We just ask for the public traveling in the work zones to continue to slow down and avoid any distractions that could take their focus away from driving and safely getting to their destination,” Turner said.

Roadways in Paris that are effected are:

• BU 82 H (Bonham Street)
• BU 82 H (Grand Avenue)
• BU 82 H (Clarksville Street)
• BU 82 H (Lamar Avenue)
• BU 271 B (Main Street)
• BU 271 B (First Street)
• BU 271 B (Clarksville Street)
• SH 19 (Church Street)
• SH 19 (Hearn Street)
• SH 19 (Main Street)
• SH 19 (First Street)
• FM 137 (19^th Street)
• FM 195 (20^th Street)
• FM 1507 (Jefferson Road)

This is not an inclusive list.  Not every intersection along the mentioned roadways will have ramp work done.  The project initially included work on FM 79 (19^th Street) in Paris, but the city is going to perform that ramp work under their Safe Routes to School program grant, according to Turner.