In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the expansion of US Highway 377 and the associated changes to local railroad crossings. The proposed modifications at Crawford Road and Old Justin Road are part of a broader initiative to enhance safety and traffic flow, including the establishment of quiet zones at all crossings once construction is completed.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to realign the crossings to improve their integration with the highway expansion. Approval from the town is necessary for the closure of the existing crossings, which will only occur after the new ones are operational. The council unanimously approved the motions related to these changes, signaling a commitment to advancing the project.

Additionally, the Argyle Independent School District (AISD) presented a request for a median opening at the western driveway on FM 407. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding traffic management, particularly for school buses and parent drop-off zones. Council members expressed apprehension about the safety implications of the proposed traffic patterns, emphasizing the need for thorough traffic impact analyses.

Alan Hendricks, representing the engineering firm Fraser Nichols, noted that while the eastern driveway had been adequately assessed, the analysis for the western driveway was lacking. He suggested that a median opening could be feasible, but raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion without proper signalization.

The council debated the necessity of additional traffic signals to ensure safe left turns across the busy highway, with some members advocating for a comprehensive traffic study to evaluate the situation further. The consensus leaned towards supporting the AISD's request while urging TxDOT to conduct a warrant study for traffic signals at the proposed locations.

In a related matter, TxDOT is seeking funding from the town for additional median cut access points along US 377, which would facilitate better traffic flow for local developments. The council discussed the financial implications and the potential for reimbursement from TxDOT for these enhancements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of managing traffic flow and safety in the face of ongoing development and infrastructure improvements, with a clear emphasis on collaboration between local government, transportation authorities, and educational institutions.