- Formosa donates $6.3 million to TxDOT for safety improvements on FM 1593 - Private public partnership enhances safe driving in Calhoun and Jackson counties To enhance highway safety in Calhoun and Jackson counties, Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve Farm-to-Market Road 1593 (FM 1593).
The project included widening FM 1593 to five lanes, with the addition of dedicated turning lanes and new traffic signals. Traffic signals were installed at key entry and exit points near Formosa’s facilities, including Gate 3 on Formosa Drive, and Gates 5 and 6 on Bayside Drive in Calhoun County, as well as Gate 8 in Jackson County.
These improvements have increased roadway capacity, reduced congestion, and improved overall traffic safety for both industrial and public motorists in the area.
“Behind the scenes we all worked tirelessly because the safety of our community, employees, and contractors is paramount to us,” said Mike Rivet, Assistant Vice President and General Manager for Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas. “There was extensive collaboration between our company and TxDOT, as well as public officials, utility providers, landowners, surveyors, and contractors.”
Projects of this scale can take time for a variety of reasons. This FM 1593 project entailed a federal grant application process, easement right-of-way discussions with property owners, traffic studies, conceptual drawings, as well as relocation of water, natural gas, power and fiber optic lines.
“The traffic congestion at the main intersection of Texas State Highway 35 and FM 1593 was the first item we addressed,” said TxDOT Public Information Officer Lucean Kuykendall. “We installed a new signal cabinet and traffic sensors and widened the intersection by adding two right turns lanes to Port Lavaca and two left turn lanes to FM 1593. Formosa helped by donating a little over $1.6 million to pay for this work.”
When TxDOT added a turning lane and traffic signal at Gate 8 in Jackson County, Formosa donated $1.1 million for improvements to the entrance and exit. Gate 8 is where hundreds of contractors drive through to access the contractor parking lot. Formosa also donated $3.6 million to TxDOT in 2023 toward the overall widening project.
“From our perspective, TxDOT was very helpful and communicative,” said Rivet. “We met regularly and they provided guidance to move us forward in a good direction. They worked nights to minimize traffic disruptions. Everyone in the community is complimenting how safe and efficient the traffic flow is now. The positive impact is felt by more than just our 3,700 employees and contractors who drive back and forth to Formosa but also our neighbors and others from surrounding businesses and residences.”
