TXDOT: Expect delays next week near FM2818-FM60 intersection
By Bobby Colwell, Texas Department of Transportation
Motorists can expect delays next week near the intersection of FM 2818 (Harvey Mitchell Parkway) and FM 60 (University Drive/Raymond Stotzer Parkway). Pavement surface reconstruction will require limiting traffic to one lane each direction on FM 60 and closing the Turkey Creek eastbound on-ramp near Easterwood Airport.
The closures will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday and remain in place until Thursday afternoon. Police officers will be present at each end of the FM 60 overpass to assist with traffic due to the lack of left-turn lanes.
The work is required to switch traffic to the next phase of construction. This phase will last until mid-April, weather permitting. Motorists will not have access to the direct ramps that connect to FM 60 and FM 2818. All maneuvers will use the t-intersection for turning movements.
Drivers can expect this to cause traffic to back up during peak traffic times. TXDOT advises motorists to use alternate routes to avoid delays.
The work is part of the construction of one of only three Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDI) in Texas. The $14.1 million project is contracted to Knife River Corporation-South and is scheduled to be finished in January of 2019. Traffic is expected to shift into the new DDI configuration in the fall.
TXDOT and its contractor appreciate your patience during construction.
Related Post:
TXDOT starts work Monday on interchange project (March 3, 2017)
TxDOT starts work Monday on Harvey Mitchell-University Drive interchange project
The Texas Department of Transportation begins work Monday on the reconstruction of the bridge and intersections at University Drive (FM60) and Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM2818). The project will address congestion and improve safety at the intersections and the entrance and exit ramps.
The $13.8 million project is expected to take about 25 months to complete and will result in the third Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) in Texas. The others DDIs in Texas are on I-35 in Round Rock and San Marcos.
University Drive closed during spring break
University Drive from Research Parkway to Turkey Creek Road will be completely closed from midnight Friday, March 10, until 6 a.m. Monday, March 20, to allow for full-depth pavement reconstruction. To reach Easterwood Airport’s main terminal, motorists should access Turkey Creek Road from HSC Parkway or F&B Road.
“The depth of the excavation and the allowable space across the bridge — in addition to the multiple interchanges in the area — would make it very difficult to safely construct with adjacent vehicles at highway speeds,” TxDOT’s Bob Colwell said. “The alternative is several weeks of nighttime closures that would result in higher project cost and more traveler delays.
“While inconvenient to drivers, the short-term closure during spring break will allow our contractor to reconstruct the pavement more efficiently while providing added protection for drivers and the worker. We thank everyone for their patience.”
Here’s TxDOT’s video simulation that illustrates how the new interchange will work:
Additional Information:
Suggested Detour Routes:
- Normal Westbound FM60
- Westbound FM60
- Normal Eastbound FM60
- Eastbound FM 60 Route
- Normal Northbound FM 2818 to Westbound FM 60
- Northbound FM 2818 to Westbound FM 60
- Normal Northbound FM 2818 to Eastbound FM 60
- Northbound FM 2818 to Eastbound FM 60
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
