City Manager: We Consider The Bluff Bypass Plan Dead

Several citizens spoke at Monday’s La Grange City Council meeting about the proposed US 77 Bypass.

Patrick McClaugherty and Robin Stait, who have appeared before the Council before on this topic, both reiterated their reasons for opposing the proposed reroute of US 77 to avoid the Bluff. Both of them own property in the path of the proposed bypass.

Texas Department of Transportation has said it wants the support of both the City and the County before proceeding with the project. The bypass plan has generated a lot of opposition from landowners who live in the path of the proposed new highway. Many have also questioned whether the cost – more than $300 million – could be better spent on improved signage, upgrading the existing roadway, and traffic enforcement.

Fayette County Commissioners Court signed a resolution opposing the bypass plan on Aug. 12.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, one citizen spoke in favor of the bypass.

“For 60 years I’ve had Hwy. 77 in my backyard,” said Jeanette Huelsebusch. “Recently a lot of information has been presented, and there has been much discussion opposing a Hwy. 77 bypass … There definitely is a need for a bypass. Driving on Jefferson St., the homes and businesses are located only a short distance from the highway.”

Huelsebusch also noted that gas lines, water lines, sewer lines and other infrastructure lie underneath the highway right-of-way. In addition, many electric poles stand in the right-of-way.

“There’s very little space for emergency services and equipment in case of an accident,” she said. “It is my thought that the City of La Grange favorably consider the need for a bypass for US 77,” she said. “Jefferson St. has been the connecting link for the northern and southern sections of Hwy. 77 for nearly 100 years. The bypass – you need it for future generations.”

After the public comments, City Manager Jack Thompson announced that the City will not take a formal position on the matter.

“Due to the County having already taking action approving a no-support resolution on the bypass, and furthermore since this project is in the County and not in the city limits, the City of La Grange will not take a formal action one way or the other on a resolution,” Thompson said. “As far as we’re concerned, this matter is concluded. “