SL 485 (CSJ: 3290-02-008) in Gladewater, TX

Texas Department of Transportation District Tyler is widening State Loop 485 in Gladewater, a project registered with TDLR under case number Csj: 3290-02-008. The work involves expanding the roadway from two lanes to four lanes with a flush median, adding shared-use paths, sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks. The estimated cost for this new construction is $1,996,298, covering 118,122 sq ft of development.

The project is scheduled to finish in September 2028, with construction beginning in September 2025. TDLR completed the plan review in February 2025, clearing the path for the multi-year build. This timeline reflects a scheduled build window of 1,096 days, which is longer than the county median of 213 days for similar new construction filings in Gregg County.

Project Scope and Design

BGE, Inc. is the design firm of record for this infrastructure improvement. The scope is strictly defined by the filing as widening the highway to accommodate increased traffic volume while enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety. The addition of curb ramps and crosswalks indicates a focus on accessibility and safe crossings for all users. The registered accessibility specialist for the project is Frank Fonseca, ensuring compliance with state standards during the design and construction phases.

The estimated cost of $1,996,298 places this project above the median estimated cost of $800,000 for new construction filings in Gregg County. However, the cost per square foot is $17, which is below the county median of $160 per square foot. This discrepancy is typical for linear roadway projects where the linear footage and earthwork costs dominate the budget rather than interior build-out costs associated with commercial structures.

Local Context and Funding

The project is located in ZIP code 75647, which has an estimated population of 13,457 and a median household income of $61,356 according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates. The area is predominantly owner-occupied, with a median home value of $164,300. TxDOT District Tyler has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $90,972,975, including a $85,200,000 project in Tyler and a $948,782 project in Gladewater, indicating a significant portfolio of infrastructure investments in the region.

Funding for this project involves public funds, public land, or Federal support, as it is a Federally funded roadway project. The Gregg County unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in August 2026, lower than a year earlier, suggesting a stable labor market for the construction workforce. The project’s status is Review Complete, meaning all necessary regulatory approvals have been secured prior to the start of physical construction.