An Open Letter from Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt Concerning the SH 205 Bypass

Rockwall residents have a very important opportunity to make their voices heard and affect change. On Thursday, July 7, the Texas Department of Transportation will host the first of two separate public meetings about proposed changes to State Highway 205, which is currently Goliad Street through Rockwall. The changes TxDOT is considering would greatly impact a large portion of the City of Rockwall.

TxDOT plans to widen SH 205 from US 80 in Terrell to SH 78 in Lavon. Under consideration are a few alternatives, including reconstructing the existing route of SH 205 with an expansion of up to six lanes, which would negatively impact a significant number of homes and businesses north of downtown. Another plan involves utilizing the couplet of Goliad and Alamo Streets that currently runs through town and extending it farther north, which would also affect a large number of homes and businesses along the route. However, the preferred option through Rockwall would be for TxDOT to essentially “trade” control of SH 205 through town for the City’s John King Boulevard.

The bottom line is that Rockwall voters overwhelmingly approved (by 70%) construction of the “205 Bypass,” or John King Blvd., in a 2005 bond election–with the understanding and intention that John King would become the SH 205 Bypass that would direct through-traffic away from Downtown Rockwall. During construction of John King, TxDOT made changes to their construction standards, and the exchange of right of way could not be made at the time. Even now, modifications will need to be made to John King to enable the switch with TxDOT. Also next week, the City will begin the process of ramp reversal on I-30, to facilitate the ease of access to and from John King Blvd. and enhance its functional use as an effective bypass route.

There are several reasons John King Blvd. would be better suited as SH 205. The seven mile long roadway can better accommodate the higher volume of through-traffic than the current route through downtown. With the change, commercial truck traffic through downtown Rockwall would not be eliminated, but it would be reduced. Additionally, a decrease in overall traffic volume through downtown will make it safer for pedestrians.

I think it is important for all Rockwall residents to attend the TxDOT public meeting next week. There will be an opportunity to view the different proposed plans, ask questions and truly understand what is better for your family and Rockwall as a whole. To add input for consideration, residents will need to submit written comments to TxDOT that night or for up to 10 days following the public meeting. Please join me at the public meeting on Thursday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Utley Middle School, 1201 T.L. Townsend Drive, to learn more about the proposed changes, and make your voices heard. I look forward to seeing you there.

Respectfully,

Mayor Jim Pruitt,
City of Rockwall

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