Published: October 07, 2009 01:41 pm      

Dirt starts turning for new Hudson Oaks I-20 exit

Crystal Brown

cbrown@weatherforddemocrat.com

Work began this week on a new highway exit at Interstate 20 and Oakridge Drive in Hudson Oaks. Motorist will see visible signs of this work early next week as the dirt work begins.

The new exit is expected to improve traffic flow through Hudson Oaks as the town bordering Weatherford continues to grow and provide easier access to the numerous retailers along the interstate.

According to Liz Heck of Orasi Development, the City of Hudson Oak’s economic development firm, the new exit will provide a service to both businesses and shoppers.

“Entrance to retailers including Walmart Supercenter, Jerry’s Nissan, Southwest Ford, and the new 73-acre Hudson Hills Village development by Connell Realty Services will now be possible from both U.S. Highway 180 and I-20, allowing these retailers to tap into the 70,000 plus cars that are currently unable to exit conveniently,” Heck wrote in a release.

The Texas Department of Transportation Commission officially approved a $518,999.49 contract on Thursday, Aug. 27, for the project. Ed Bell Construction Company is the contractor on record for the new exit. This is the same company currently working on the interstate project in Weatherford at Main Street.

A different crew from the company will complete the Hudson Oaks project, said the city’s director of operations Patrick Lawler.

“We are very excited about this project and what it means for the City and our residents,” Lawler said. “Our goal is to have the project completed before the holiday season.”

The contract provides for 79 working days to complete the project. Hudson Oaks police will patrol the area frequently during the construction process to ensure the safety of both the contractors and motorists, Lawler said.

“This highway exit is a great step for the economic development of Hudson Oaks,” said Mark Connell, President of Connell Realty Services. “Retailers and restaurants look for easy access to their properties and the addition of this exit will make Hudson Oaks much more attractive to users and developers.”