Rockwall County, TxDoT, area officials celebrate kick-off of FM 551 Interchange

Rockwall County Commissioner Cliff Sevier, Fate City Councilman Steve Hermann, Fate Mayor Lorne Megyesi, Rockwall County Commissioner David Magness, Fate City Councilman Jon Thatcher, Fate City Manager Michael Kovac, Rockwall County Commissioner Lee Gilbert, Rockwall County Judge David Sweet and McClendon-Chisolm Mayor Gary Moody.

(ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX – April 13, 2015) Rockwall County Commissioner David  Magness, Judge David Sweet, TxDOT officials, area mayors, council members and citizens gathered Friday to officially celebrate the start of construction of the FM 551 Interchange at IH-30.

The FM 551 Interchange project is one of 4 interchange projects along IH-30: John King, FM 3549, Erby Campbell and now FM 551.  The FM 551 Interchange was part of both Rockwall County bond programs and is a $31 million dollar project.

“In less than seven years, Rockwall County, in partnership with TxDOT, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our cities, has managed to begin construction on these vital interchanges totaling more than $100 million for these four projects.  That is an impressive feat for the smallest county in the State of Texas.  This was made possible because of the common voice that was created using the Rockwall County Transportation Consortium,” said Commissioner Magness.

Kelly Selman, the TxDOT Dallas District Engineer, was also on hand for remarks at the ceremony.  He applauded the collaborative efforts of Rockwall County and local governments with TxDOT saying, “Over the years, TxDOT’s  partnership with Rockwall County and local communities has benefited motorists from throughout the region. The department values relationships such as this in getting projects done that improve safety and enhance the quality of life for area residents.”

When completed, the interchange will allow for an at-grade, four-way intersection with the FM 551 bridge crossing above.  Area officials praised the innovation of the design that will now allow for commercial development on the four comers.

Rockwall County Judge Sweet also praised the project saying, “The unity of purpose shown by the Consortium and the trust given to us by the voters of this county over the span of two bond programs, has enabled Rockwall County to go from being on the sidelines watching other projects in other areas being built, to a leadership role in the region.”

Commissioner Magness went on to say, “By taking control of our own destiny with the passage of the 2004 and 2008 bond packages, Rockwall County is putting transportation infrastructure on the ground that not only enhances mobility but improves the quality of  life for our citizens.”

The project is estimated to be completed by August of 2016 and will include aesthetic enhancements with City of Fate logos on the bridge columns and the flying “F” on the bent caps.  These costs were shared by both TxDOT and the City of Fate.

Submitted by Felicia Huckaby-Morris, Chief Assistant, Commissioners Court.

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