Round Rock Celebrates Completion Of Key Transportation Projects

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Local leaders joined state transportation officials on Friday to celebrate the completion of two key road projects.

Texas Department of Transportation were on hand alongside representatives from U.S. Rep. John Carter’s office, Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook, Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan and others to cut the ribbon on more than $20 million in mobility improvements along Interstate 35.

The $9.2 million I-35 from RM 1431 to FM 3406 ramp reversal project along the southbound I-35 frontage road reduces vehicle weaving and improves frontage road operations by adding an extended entrance and exit lane. The $12.4 million I-35 at FM 3406 bridge reconstruction project includes a new, expanded bridge with two new U-turn bridges in each direction and dedicated left-turn lanes.

The excitement over the projects' completion was abundantly clear, best displayed by William County Commissioner Cook in breaking into a rap song of sorts: "By end of June, traffic’s flowing – gone massive backups, east-west smoking,” Cook vocalized in spitting out some mad verse.

In addition to improved vehicle mobility, pedestrians and bicyclists can now travel from RM 1431 to FM 3406 on a new 10-foot shared use path and connect to FM 3406 and other destinations using improved sidewalks and pedestrian beacons.

“These new bicycle and pedestrian enhancements have greatly improved safety for all modes of transportation,” Morgan said. “I drive this route often, and I am excited to see how this project continues to improve mobility in this area.”

Both projects were funded by TxDOT and completed on time and on budget, officials noted. The contractor for the I-35 from RM 1431 to FM 3406 (southbound) project was Dan Williams Company, and the contractor for the I-35 at FM 3406 project was Flatiron.

“Thanks to the hard work of the project team, the new FM 3406 bridge was completed two months ahead of schedule,” said TxDOT District Engineer Terry McCoy. “We thank drivers for their patience while these much needed improvements were constructed.”

These are the fifth and sixth projects completed as part of the Mobility35 Program. In 2011, TxDOT developed the program to improve safety and mobility along I-35 through Williamson, Travis, and Hays counties.

Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook, August Alvarado with Congressman John Carter’s office and Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan listen to remarks by TxDOT Austin District Engineer Terry McCoy at the ribbon cutting for two Mobility35 projects in Round Rock. Photo courtesy of TxDot.

From Jan. 9:

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Local leaders and lawmakers will join state transportation officials in a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating completion of two key projects this week.

The Texas Department of Transportation completed a reconstruction project at Interstate 35 at FM 3406 (Old Settlers Boulevard) as well as work improving exits and entrances to I-35 from RM 1431 to FM 3406 (southbound). Moreover, TxDot also completed work on providing an important shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Local and state officials will join TxDOT for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at 2 p.m. The ceremony will take place in the Denny’s parking lot along the southbound I-35 frontage road. For more information about the I-35 from the RM 1431 to FM 3406 (southbound) project, and the I-35 at FM 3406 project, visit www.My35Construction.org.

Get Patch's Daily Newsletters and Real Time Alerts

>>> Top photo: Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation join August Alvarado with Congressman John Carter’s office, Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook, Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan and others to cut the ribbon on two Mobility35 projects in Round Rock. Courtesy photo via Texas Department of Transportation.