Denton County leaders and community partners gathered at the Braswell High School parking lot on Monday to celebrate the completion of a significant infrastructure upgrade along U.S. 380. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the end of a multi-year construction effort designed to modernize a critical transportation corridor.
The $160.6 million initiative began in January 2019 and spans from Loop 288 to the area west of County Road 26 near the Collin County line. The improvements include raised medians with dedicated left and right turn lanes, widened roadways, and five new grade separations at major intersections. These changes aim to address the increasing demands of a rapidly expanding region.
County Judge Andy Eads, alongside Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Williams, Precinct 2 Commissioner Kevin W. Falconer, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell, participated in the event. Judge Eads noted that upgrading major thoroughfares requires collaboration across state, regional, and local levels to meet the public’s long-term transportation needs. He highlighted that the county continues to grow by approximately 90 residents daily, necessitating ongoing infrastructure updates.
Commissioner Williams expressed gratitude to the various partners involved, including cities, school districts, the Texas Department of Transportation, and state representatives. He stated that the project has enhanced safety, improved mobility, and increased pedestrian access to local businesses and schools. Commissioner Mitchell echoed these sentiments, describing the day as exciting given the area’s fast-paced growth and the importance of maintaining updated roadways.
Commissioner Falconer reflected on the transformation of the corridor, recalling his childhood memories of gravel trucks traveling the route. He noted that the area has since evolved into a major retail and residential hub, and he expressed satisfaction with the smoother traffic flow now present along the still-developing stretch.
