Argyle tells state to limit FM 407 widening to preserve town’s rural character
Argyle, a quiet community holding on to its rural roots, is at a crossroads with rapid growth and traffic congestion driving the need to widen FM 407, which goes through the town in southern Denton County.
But town officials say that widening the roadway to six lanes — including turn lanes — will create headaches for the town residents, taking away their peace and quiet and their majestic tree canopy.
Last month, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Texas Department of Transportation to tap the brakes on the portion of the project going through the town, limiting the highway widening project to four lanes instead of six.
TxDOT is planning to widen busy thoroughfare from Bill Cook Road west of Justin to FM 1830 near Lantana. The project includes expanding the road from two to six lanes complete with pedestrian and bicycle access.
Mayor Ronald Schmidt said he and the townspeople are working to create a “quaint” community where rural values are at the forefront.
“It would be devastating to us,” Schmidt said of the widening project.
A spokesperson from TXDOT said in an email “TxDOT is aware that Argyle supports a four-lane option for FM 407, while Denton County and nearby cities support six lanes.
“The department is working with local partners and plans to meet with Argyle leaders, talk through their concerns, and determine the best path forward before the project moves ahead.”
Why widen FM 407?
FM 407 is an important east-west road connecting Justin, Northlake and Argyle to Interstate 35W with the Alliance Corridor and jobs. It separates the booming Harvest and Pecan Square developments west of I-35W.
Drivers have complained for years about congestion and slow travel times.
Schmidt said he supports widening the road, but the six-lane proposal doesn’t align with Argyle’s master plan.
He described how Argyle is planning a pedestrian-oriented town center district near FM 407 and U.S. 377 with an old-fashioned Main Street, with unique “one of” shops.
Argyle has large lots, but there is no downtown, Schmidt said.
Argyle has a “tree city” designation, and is seeking a “dark skies” certification, meaning it would Lakewood Village as the only North Texas communities to have that distinction.
“We’re hoping to become a destination where people can go walk, dine and return home,” he said.