Tyler MPO to chart future connections between East Grande, Old Omen, and Toll 49

As growth continues to shape Tyler's east side, planning for the future of its roadways is taking center stage. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the City Council approved a $200,000 contract with HDR, Inc. to conduct a study of the East Grande, Old Omen, and Toll 49 route; a forward-looking effort to explore potential future roadway connections.

As Tyler and the surrounding areas continue to grow, both the City of Tyler and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) have developed plans for roadway extensions that aim to improve mobility on the city's east side. However, current conceptual alignments for the East Grande Boulevard, Old Omen Road, and Toll 49 extensions overlap in several key areas. The newly approved study will bring all parties together to evaluate these routes and identify a solution that works for both agencies and the community.

HDR will analyze current traffic patterns, land uses, and infrastructure to propose the most feasible routes for extending East Grande Boulevard, Old Omen Road, and Toll 49. The study's purpose is to identify options that can accommodate future traffic demands while minimizing impacts on existing roads, rail lines, utilities, and neighborhoods.

Funded through the Fiscal Year 2026-2027Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)of the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), this project is a planning study only. No construction will take place as part of the study. Instead, the findings will serve as a guide for long-term decision-making and potential future projects as Tyler's transportation network evolves.

"This study helps us prepare for what's ahead," said MPO Director Michael Howell. "It's about understanding where growth is happening and ensuring we have well-informed plans in place before any future roadwork begins."

A challenge in the area includes floodplains and large overhead electric transmission lines, some standing nearly 150 feet tall. These conditions create additional complexity for any future roadway or overpass design. The study will carefully evaluate these physical constraints to recommend routes that strike a balance between engineering feasibility, environmental sensitivity, and public safety.

Because the City of Tyler serves as the fiscal agent for the MPO, any contract exceeding $100,000 requires City Council authorization. The City will front the cost of the study, which will be fully reimbursed through the MPO's grant funding.

Once underway, the study will serve as a collaborative planning tool between the City of Tyler and the NET RMA, ensuring that future design efforts align and both organizations work from the same data and vision.

Work on the route study is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in 2026.