Will Downtown Survive? Belton Councilman Potts Warns Of I-35 Plans

Belton residents are being asked to attend a TxDot meeting tonight.

Belton City Councilman Luke Potts Has Major Concerns

In a Facebook post, Luke Potts of the Belton City Council said that TxDot is planning to remove the downtown 1-35 exits...a move that could seriously impact Belton’s local businesses, safety, accessibility and the heart of the town. According to Potts, it isn’t just a traffic issue. He says it will determine whether downtown Belton survives or slowly disappears.

What is TxDot Planning to Do?

TxDot is looking to drastically change I35 and I14 in Belton. In a Facebook video, Councilman Potts was standing where the planned TxDot exit to Belton would be, saying Belton is not even in sight at that point. Potts said because TxDot plans to remove the current exits at Central Ave and 6th Avenue in Downtown Belton, a driver would have to decide to go to Belton at Midway Drive in Temple to have time to exit.

Catastrophic Affect

Potts said the TxDot change will eliminate all drive by traffic in Belton that restaurants, gas stations and shops rely on to survive. He said it is a 100-year decision that will greatly impact Belton residents and businesses. Potts said the issue of downtown access to Belton is not just an economic one. He says it is also a safety issue, because if you take away the downtown exits, it will take emergency vehicles longer to reach those in need.

Councilman Potts Says Belton Residents Need to Speak Out

Potts is asking residents to attend the public meeting Wednesday, January 14th from 5pm to 7pm at Cadence Bank Center. He also asks that residents write letters to TxDot and their local representatives. Letters must be received by January 29th to receive consideration.

Contact List:

TxDot Email: lmunsh-c@txdot.gov

Representative Hillary Hickland: hillary.hickland@house.texas.gov

Senator Pete Flores: pete.flores@senate.texas.gov