Courtesy photo

Collin County officials are continuing work on the Collin County Northeast Freeway Study, a long-range transportation project intended to improve mobility in a rapidly growing area of the county.

The county has partnered with LJA Engineering Inc. to conduct preliminary design and environmental studies for a proposed freeway that would run approximately 10 miles, connecting State Highway 121 with the future U.S. 380 Princeton Freeway. The study began in summer 2025 and is expected to take about two years.

The project is in the early planning phase, with no route selected. A preferred alignment is expected to be announced in spring or summer 2026, after a series of public meetings and a public hearing. Officials said the study will evaluate current and future traffic volumes, safety concerns, and the potential effects of both constructing and not constructing the freeway. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian needs will also be reviewed.

The county is coordinating with local governments and regional, state and federal agencies, including the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Transportation. Stakeholder meetings are ongoing with neighborhood groups, property owners and others in the study area.

A new grade-separated freeway is expected to help address growing traffic demand and improve safety. Some displacement of homes and businesses is anticipated under any build alternative, though officials said efforts are being made to reduce impacts. Tolling is not being considered. Construction funding has not been identified, and any future construction would likely occur in phases.

Residents can learn more about the project during upcoming public meetings. A virtual meeting will be available from Dec. 11, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2026, with a pre-recorded presentation and exhibits posted on the project website. An in-person open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Princeton High School cafeteria, 1000 E. Princeton Drive.

Public comments will be accepted during the same timeframe and may be submitted at the meeting, online, by email, voicemail or mail.

More information, including meeting materials and updates, is available at www.collincountynortheastfreeway.com. Residents may also sign up for email notifications, and notices are being sent to property owners in the project area and published in local newspapers.

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