Granite Breaks Ground on $80m Highway Upgrade in Forney, Texas
In a significant move that reinforces Texas’ ongoing commitment to infrastructure modernisation, Granite has secured an $80 million contract from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to overhaul a critical section of Farm to Market Road 548 (FM 548) in Forney, Texas.
Scheduled to begin in July 2025 and wrap up by March 2027, this ambitious project is funded by state resources and marks a major milestone in the expansion of North Texas’s road network.
The upgrade isn’t just a patch job. It involves transforming the existing asphalt-paved stretch from FM 548 north of US 80 to Windmill Farms Boulevard into a high-capacity, concrete-paved thoroughfare. Additional travel lanes and robust drainage systems will be integrated to accommodate the rapidly rising traffic volumes in the area. As Kaufman County continues to attract residents and businesses, the enhanced infrastructure will help keep things moving, particularly through Forney’s bustling commercial corridor.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Project
This isn’t your average resurfacing gig. The scope of the Forney upgrade is extensive, involving:
- Over 200,000 square yards of 10-inch concrete pavement installation
- More than 40,000 linear feet of new storm drain infrastructure
The move from asphalt to concrete is a calculated one. Concrete pavements, while requiring a higher upfront investment, offer greater durability and reduced maintenance costs over time. For a region experiencing sustained population growth and commercial expansion, that kind of long-term value is indispensable.
“Our home market strategy in North Texas is complemented perfectly by this strategic project,” said Steve Kaesler, Granite’s Vice President of Regional Operations. “It fits well with our core competencies and is a result of capitalising on other wins in the nearby area.”
Boosting Mobility in a Growing Community
Forney, once a quiet commuter town, has seen explosive growth in recent years. Its location, just east of Dallas, has made it a hotspot for families and developers alike. However, with rapid growth comes traffic congestion and infrastructure strain.
The FM 548 project is expected to alleviate bottlenecks in one of Forney’s busiest corridors, particularly in the commercial heart of the city. By expanding traffic capacity and enhancing stormwater management, the project aims to improve travel times, reduce flood risks during heavy rains, and ensure smoother logistics for local businesses.
Granite’s role in the project reflects its growing influence in the North Texas market. The company has been steadily building a strong local presence, and this project is yet another feather in its hard hat.
A Closer Look at Granite: America’s Infrastructure Company
Founded in 1922, Granite has earned its stripes as one of the largest diversified construction and materials companies in the United States. Headquartered in Watsonville, California, the firm delivers a comprehensive suite of civil construction services and materials supply, serving both public and private sector clients.
Granite is not just known for scale but for standards. The company has built a solid reputation for safety, quality, and sustainability—principles embedded in its Code of Conduct and core values. That reputation has translated into awards and national recognition, placing it consistently among the top-tier firms in the civil construction sector.
Their motto? “America’s Infrastructure Company.” And this FM 548 project is a textbook example of what that tagline really means in practice.
A Strong Fit for Regional Development Goals
TxDOT’s decision to invest in FM 548 reflects broader strategic priorities in Texas. As the state works to futureproof its transportation network, regional arteries like FM 548 play a crucial role in connecting suburban growth zones to metropolitan hubs.
By converting this stretch to a concrete-paved, multi-lane corridor, the project aligns perfectly with both state and local ambitions to boost road longevity, reduce congestion, and support sustainable growth. Moreover, it’s a critical enhancement for emergency response, school transit routes, and freight movement, all of which are seeing increased demand in Kaufman County.
The integration of modern drainage systems also addresses another pressing need: climate resilience. With Texas experiencing more intense and frequent storm events, effective stormwater management isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Economic Ripple Effects
Infrastructure isn’t just about tarmac and traffic. Every major project injects life into the local economy, and the FM 548 development is no exception. Construction means jobs, contracts for local suppliers, and increased activity for service providers in the region.
Beyond the construction phase, the improved infrastructure is expected to enhance property values and attract further investment in the area. For businesses along the corridor, smoother traffic flow and better drainage mean more reliable customer access and fewer operational disruptions.
Cementing a Brighter Future
Granite’s upgrade of FM 548 is more than just an infrastructure investment—it’s a vote of confidence in the future of Forney and Kaufman County. By delivering a project that enhances safety, supports economic development, and improves daily life for thousands of residents, Granite is helping lay the literal foundation for sustained regional success.
From a professional standpoint, the project showcases the value of aligning corporate capabilities with regional needs. And for the public, it’s a welcome sign that growth and infrastructure can go hand in hand when guided by thoughtful planning and execution.
