CC71 - Citizens for Change on 71

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Construction to cause lane closures on Texas 71
Sunday August 23rd 2009

Construction to cause lane closures on Texas 71
August 11th, 2009.
By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
Drivers traveling on Texas 71 north of its intersection with RR 620 should expect lane closures at night for the next two weeks, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

“For the next week and a half, we will be replacing part of the guard fence, milling and repairing pavement,” said TxDOT Area Engineer Don Nyland. “Then we will resurface the area from RR 620 to Hamilton Pool Road.”

Nyland said the work is part of the regular maintenance of Texas 71, and is not related to the structural alterations further north near Bee Creek Road. TxDOT began a redesign of that area last year after citizens raised concern in the wake of mounting traffic accidents and fatalities along that portion of Texas 71. That area of the highway is also experiencing lane closures, except they are longer due to the more extensive repairs designed to improve safety.
Nyland said the repairs between RR 620 and Hamilton Pool Road would take place between 6-8 p.m.
“The pavement in that area is about 15 years old and just needs to be replaced,” Nyland said.
The area has also experienced higher traffic volumes with the opening of the Hill Country Galleria and the Shops at the Galleria, along with the proliferation of subdivisions along Texas 71.
As for the area of Texas 71 being redesigned, Nyland said progress is steadily being made.
“They are coming along pretty well out there,” Nyland said, noting that while the current drought has caused major water shortages and major issues for area ranchers, it has translated into fewer work stoppages along Texas 71.
“Workers have started on the second half of the two Bee Creek bridges and they are moving along with the new five lane section,” Nyland said. “Another project will be let in October which will fill in the gap between Bee Creek Road and R.O. Drive.”