“We’re overwhelmed by the amount of [construction] work. It’s a burden on our neighbors,” shared Anna city manager Ryan Henderson.
ANNA, Texas — The City of Anna is part of the fastest-growing corridor in the state, but with rapid growth comes serious challenges.
“It’s growing so fast, we can barely keep up,” said state representative Frederick Frazier with HD 61.
That rapid expansion is most visible on U.S. 75, where traffic jams and accidents have become a daily headache. On April 29, 2024, TxDOT started its widening project that would add a third lane in each direction.
“It’s chaotic, backed-up, a mess—all of the above,” said a frustrated commuter who says he’s waited in traffic for at least 30 minutes routinely.
The City of Anna first noticed the uptick in crashes and calls about crashes as soon as the Mantua bridge was closed down by TxDOT. The city says the vast majority of the congestion is happening between FM 455 and Rosamond Parkway along the highway.
“We’re overwhelmed by the amount of [construction] work. It’s a burden on our neighbors,” shared Anna city manager Ryan Henderson.
Since late April, there have been 89 accidents, with 40 resulting in crash reports or disabled vehicles.
“The last thing you want is to cause an accident by the circumstances that are being created,” said Frazier.
Tragically, five lives have been lost since the closures and congestion.
“It’s tragic to hear that. It’s tragic to hear any loss of life within city limits,” said Henderson.
Henderson tells WFAA the city has heard the concerns from its community and is encouraged by the steps taken with TxDOT to address them.
To address the issue, State Representative Frederick Frazier, city officials, and TxDOT recently met to find solutions. Three key actions are being implemented starting this week:
1. Shifting work to overnight hours: Lane closures will now happen at night, reducing daytime traffic chaos.
2. Improved signage: Drivers will be alerted to upcoming slowdowns, giving them more time to adjust.
3. Realigned roadways: New road designs will help ease congestion by providing more space to merge safely.
“It’s still slow, but the tapering lane is much further back now,” Frazier noted.
“Safety is TxDOT’s top priority. In recent weeks, the department has worked with officials in the City of Anna and the Anna Police Department to identify additional traffic and construction measures to implement that will assist motorists traveling through the work zone,” read a statement from TxDOT.
As Anna’s population continues to soar—it’s tripled in the last decade—so does the traffic. Residents joke that if the city had a bird, it would be a crane, symbolizing the constant construction.
But for now, the growing pains along U.S. 75 are a reminder that progress, while necessary, isn’t always easy.