Work on the Eastern Extension of the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) is gearing up to full speed.

 

The Eastern Extension is divided into five sections, numbers 28-32. Sections 28-31 are managed by the NTTA, while Section 32 is managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

 

Construction is now underway on Section 30, which runs from north of the future Merritt Road to south of Main Street in Rowlett. Excluding the structures within the historic J.E. Coyle Farmstead, which will be moved to a permanent location, and a home just north of the creek on the east side of Liberty Grove Road that will be demolished, contractors have cleared trees, brush and debris from the entire length of Section 30.

 

The NTTA Board of Directors approved a contract for relocation of the Coyle Farmstead at its Nov. 19 meeting. It involves moving five historically significant buildings and structures, one object and an ornamental wire fence about a third of a mile to the City of Rowlett’s Pecan Grove Park. One contractor will complete the major site work and a subcontractor will handle the relocation of the structures. The move is expected to take place in January.

 

The general contractor began work on Section 30 in October by placing traffic warning signs and other traffic control devices. Now, the contractor is constructing a drainage culvert at the north end of the section and installing water lines from Liberty Grove Road to just north of Merritt Road.

 

Valencia Street between Liberty Grove and the Mariners Cove subdivision was closed on Oct. 30 so that existing pavement could be removed to allow utility installations and earthwork to begin.

 

Meanwhile, the contract for demolition of the remaining 20 apartment buildings within the Section 32 right-of-way was issued on Oct 27. Section 32 is located at the bridge over Lake Ray Hubbard and the interchange with IH 30; all abatement and demolition work is on track to be finished by January 2009.