Texas DoT to realign road to improve safety

The Texas Department of Transportation will begin work Monday to realign the intersection of FM 145 and the U.S. 70/84 intersection in Parmer County.

“We’re realigning, or moving, FM 145 to connect with US 70/84 at a new location that makes more sense and improves safety,” said Steve Perez, a Littlefield area engineer for the department. “Currently, all FM 145 traffic is detoured around a closed Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) underpass. The new FM 145 route will shift the roadway about half a mile east and create a new at-grade railroad crossing and connection with US 70/84.”

Work on U.S. 70 will include rebuilding and resurfacing the roadway, adding acceleration and deceleration lanes and new pavement striping. Drivers should anticipate reduced speed limits and lane closures throughout the project, which is expected to be complete in the fall.

“At some point during construction, FM 145 traffic will be closed and traffic detoured at FM 1731 to connect with US 70. FM 145 is expected to be closed for about five months before reopening at the new location,” Perez said. “The existing FM 145 segment, westward to the railroad bridge, will be permanently removed.”