By Scott Harvey
Commerce – An upcoming state highway project, to be performed east of Commerce, is costing the city. Tuesday night council members passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Hayter Engineering for services on relocation of utility lines along Highway 11. In a few months, TxDot will be widening Highway 11 from where it intersects Culver Street east to the Sulphur River or Hopkins County line. The City of Commerce is required by the state to widen the placement of its utility lines so that it doesn't interfere with construction.
The project is projected to cost the city approximately $400,000, with about $60,000 to go toward engineering. The money will come from the city's Sewer Repair and Replacement funds. With approval from council, Hayter Engineering will now begin work on the initial engineering phase of the project.