Summary
The Texas Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting with an in-person open house option on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. to present plans to widen FM 982 from US 380 to FM 546.
In-person open house
Longhorn 2020 Event Center
3670 FM 982
Princeton, Texas 75407
Virtual meeting
A video presentation will be posted at 5 p.m. on TxDOT’s Keep It Moving Dallas website.
The proposal would:
• Expand FM 982 to a four-lane divided roadway
• Add 10-foot shared-use paths along most of the corridor
• Install curb-and-gutter drainage
• Require additional right-of-way, typically around 120 feet wide
• Potentially displace one residential structure, with relocation assistance available
This project could affect traffic patterns, land values, development, safety, and long-term mobility across Princeton.
What’s Being Proposed
Project Scope
• Expansion of FM 982 from US 380 to FM 546
• Four-lane divided roadway design
• 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides along most of the corridor
• 6-foot sidewalk on the southbound side between US 380 and CR 400 (Myrick Lane)/FM 452 before transitioning into a shared-use path
• Curb-and-gutter drainage system
• Typical right-of-way width of about 120 feet, requiring land acquisition
• One residential structure may be displaced, with relocation assistance available
Public Comment Window
Residents can submit comments to TxDOT through Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Public input during this stage becomes part of the official project record and can influence final design adjustments.
Why This Matters for Princeton
This proposal goes beyond a simple road widening project. It touches growth management, infrastructure capacity, walkability, housing patterns, and long-term city planning.
1. Traffic Relief and Commuting
FM 982 connects several neighborhoods to US 380. Widening the corridor could reduce congestion during school, work, and weekend peak traffic periods while improving cross-city mobility.
2. Development and Property Impact
Major roadway expansions often trigger additional development activity, including:
• New commercial sites
• New residential subdivisions
• Changes in property values and tax assessments
These changes can influence future planning decisions, utility capacity, and school enrollment pressures.
3. Walkability and Multi-Use Paths
Shared-use paths are intended to support walking, running, and cycling. Their effectiveness will depend on whether the paths connect meaningfully to neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas.
4. Land Acquisition and Displacement
Additional right-of-way will be required along parts of the corridor. At least one residential structure may be affected, and property owners along FM 982 should closely review:
• Right-of-way maps
• Notification letters
• Compensation and relocation procedures
5. Long-Term Timeline
The project is expected to unfold over multiple years.
Current planning timelines indicate:
• Construction plans targeted for 2027
• Right-of-way acquisition after final plans are completed
• Construction anticipated to begin in late 2029 or early 2030
How Residents Can Participate
Residents can review and comment on the project through several options.
Attend in person
December 9, 2025
5 to 7 PM
Longhorn 2020 Event Center
Watch the online presentation
Available beginning at 5 PM on the project website
Submit written comments
Deadline: December 30, 2025
Property owners along FM 982 are encouraged to review the right-of-way maps and speak directly with TxDOT representatives.
Big-Picture Meaning
Princeton is gradually shifting from rural road layouts toward urban-scale transportation infrastructure.
If managed carefully, the FM 982 expansion could:
• Reduce congestion across the city
• Improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Support coordinated long-term growth
If managed poorly, it could:
• Place pressure on utilities and schools
• Encourage scattered development patterns
• Displace residents without sufficient transparency or compensation
This corridor will likely play a major role in shaping how Princeton grows during the next decade.
Final Note
The Princeton Journal will continue monitoring the FM 982 project through its design phase, right-of-way acquisition, construction process, and final completion.
For residents who live, drive, walk, or own property along FM 982, the decisions made during this planning phase will influence how the corridor functions well into the 2030s.
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
US 380 Princeton Project
KeepItMovingDallas.com
Images used for public information and reporting.
