Existing traffic on SH 21 causes causes heavy congestion through downtown Madisonville. The roadway is used as a primary connection for traffic that travels between I-45, SH 90 and SH 21 west of Madisonville. The location of SH 21 provides few opportunities for widening the roadway in order to add capacity and accommodate both local and through traffic. A relief route around Madisonville is being studied in order to increase mobility.

Benefits

The purpose of this project is to connect regional traffic traveling the west side of Madisonville to I-45, which will relieve SH 21 (Main Street) and its surrounding roadway network from non-local vehicles traveling between I-45, SH 75, SH 90 and SH 21.

As stated in the preliminary opportunities and constraints, the proposed relief route is expected to provide the following benefits:

• Address traffic growth: Traffic through Madisonville is expected to increase from 13,000 to 18,500 vehicles per day by 2035.
• Improve regional connection to I-45: A relief route would increase regional mobility, moving traffic efficiently to and from I-45.
  
• Improve local circulation: By reducing the amount of through traffic in the downtown Madisonville area, the relief route would also create mobility within the surrounding roadway network.
  
• Improve safety: The relief route is expected to reduce crash rates on SH 21, SH 90 and SH 75. There were more than 200 crashes in the past five years along these roadways including one fatality.
• Preserve local infrastructure: A reduction in traffic (especially trucks) would maintain the integrity of the existing roadway and reduce the long-term cost of maintenance.

Get Involved

On May 27, 2014 the preliminary alternatives were presented at a community workgroup meeting to answer questions and provide feedback. Recommended alternatives were determined through the working group, which included representatives from Madison County, the City of Madisonville and the Madison Independent School District.

A July 22, 2014 open house presented the primary alternatives to the public for feedback and a public hearing will be offered in 2015.

Next Steps

• Review public meeting comments and refine the recommended alternatives
• Identification and prioritization of Segments of Independent Utility (prioritizing construction sections)
• Develop feasibility report, completion anticipated mid-October 2014

More Information

• Feasibility Study Area
  
• Preliminary Alternative Routes
  
• Primary Alternative Routes