Haslet planning commission backs resolution supporting FM 156 grade separation grant application
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Summary
The Haslet Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a resolution supporting a state grant application for a grade separation (overpass) at FM 156 and Schoolhouse Road; the mayor said the state would fund most costs and the grant will fund engineering before detailed plans are produced.
The Haslet Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 16 to adopt a resolution supporting a state grant application for a grade separation (overpass) over the BNSF tracks at FM 156 and Schoolhouse Road.
The resolution, which the commission agreed to include in the city’s grant application, supports an overpass intended to improve traffic flow and provide access to commercial parcels on both sides of the railroad corridor. Mr. Schweicki introduced the proposal and asked the commission for its endorsement.
Mayor Gary Halsey, who addressed the commission during the item, described the project as part of a broader inland-port strategy near the Burlington Northern hub and said the overpass is expected to relieve congestion on nearby corridors including Westport Parkway and Blue Mound Road. "There will be no detailed plans before the application," Halsey told the commission, adding that the grant includes funding for the engineering and right-of-way work that would produce those plans.
Halsey said the program created by Senate Bill 1555 set aside roughly $250,000,000 statewide for projects of this type and described the state funding split as about 90% state funds and 10% local funds; he said Haslet currently has approximately $16,000,000 available to cover the local match. Halsey also said the North Central Texas Council of Governments is assisting Haslet with the application and that BNSF has agreed to provide a letter of support and may contribute funding.
Commissioners asked questions about the exhibit and how the bridge would connect to a future extension of Haslet Parkway; staff and Halsey said the design shown is conceptual and that more detail will be produced if the project advances to the funded engineering phase. A motion to accept the resolution as written was seconded and passed unanimously.
Next steps: the resolution will be included in the grant application, and cities notified as grant awards are decided are expected to be announced in February.