Duncanville returns to public for feedback on I-20 projects

by Danielle Parker of Duncanville TODAY

The city of Duncanville is hoping to subside controversies and disputes regarding the Interstate 20 projects tonight at a special public meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn at 7:00 p.m.

TxDOT held a public meeting June 24 to brief the public on a potential frontage road project to extend from Cedar Ridge Drive to Cockrell Hill Road, along Interstate 20.

However, when more than 250 Duncanville residents, the majority being from District 5, seemed to disapprove of the project, the city realized a new plan of action was needed.

Since that meeting, alternatives have been considered in order to determine the feasibility of improving incident management and mobility for this portion of I-20.

“About a year ago, the Duncanville City Council voted 6 to 1 to ask TxDOT to construct service roads along the entire length of Interstate 20 in Duncanville,” Mayor David Green said. “We are conducting the meeting to show residents the project itself and get public input.”

Tonight's public meeting is the continuation of the project's federal process that has been moving forward since 2006.

Since the last public meeting, Green, Councilmember Grady Smithey, and District 5 Councilmember Johnette Jameson have met with State Representative Yvonne Davis and Bill Hale and Mike Bostic from TxDOT, to discuss the I-20 service roads, in hopes of finding a solution that serves all Duncanville residents.

“It was decided that because of the extreme shortage in available funding and because Davis was aware of the adamant opposition from the directly affected neighborhoods, the money would be allocated to projects that benefit taxpayers without harm,” Jameson said.

The Duncanville City Council has developed a working plan to move forward on projects along the eastbound, south side of I-20, from Main Street to Cockrell Hill Road and possibly the westbound, north side of I-20, from Cockrell Hill Road to Main Street.

Bottleneck projects along I-20/Hwy 67 and an access ramp off of I-20 to Clark Road are also being considered with the use of funds allocated for Southwest Dallas County.

“These projects are located in Dallas, but could be used by all drivers in the area including those from Duncanville,” Jameson said.

At the June 24 meeting, many residents voiced their concern about losing property to eminent domain or economic development. Green said that is not what this project is about.

“These service roads allow the traffic to divert without going through our neighborhoods,' he said. “There is a slight economic opportunity, however the rest runs through residential area and there are no plans to rezone, and as far as I am concerned, it will stay a residential zoning district.”