RANGER, TX TxDOT initiated construction of improvements to realign and rebuild I-20 in Eastland County from approximately 3.5 miles east of Loop 254 to .5 miles east of SH 16. This three-mile project will improve safety by reducing the steep grade and improving the curves at Ranger Hill.

Ranger Hill is located on Interstate 20 in eastern Eastland County, between the city of Ranger, Texas, and State Highway 16. The hill is approximately halfway between Abilene, Texas, and Fort Worth, Texas. 

Project Need 

Design improvements are necessary in the Ranger Hill area to enhance and improve safety and mobility, specifically addressing the following issues: 

"¢ Roadway safety and operational concerns due to functional roadway deficiencies that contribute to high frequency and severity of traffic incidents and congestion
"¢ Constrained mobility of vehicles due to crashes and increasing traffic demand
"¢ Incident management concerns and access limitations for first responders 

A substantial reconstruction of I-20 was approved through an environmental study completed in fall 2016, receiving strong support from local citizens, state and local elected officials, area law enforcement and first responders, and frequent travelers of I-20 along Ranger Hill. 

Project Features 

Reconstruction will greatly enhance the safe and efficient movement of the traveling public on the hill: 

"¢ More gradual 3.5-percent grade and approximately 1-degree curve will allow for the safe and efficient movement of traffic at a design speed of 75 mph.
"¢ Three westbound (uphill) mainlanes will allow large trucks to use the outside lane for climbing without impeding smaller vehicles traveling at higher speeds. Two eastbound (downhill) mainlanes will allow for future expansion to three lanes.
"¢ Wide inside and outside shoulders will allow refuge for stranded or stalled vehicles.
"¢ Continuous two-way frontage roads will improve access and incident response capabilities throughout the length of the project.