Traffic delays could be improved at the intersection of US 183 and Toll 183A in northern Leander after the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority finished work on the project in October.


The Mobility Authority started the project in November 2014, intending to ease vehicle turns and improve accessibility to CR 276. Workers rerouted the southbound US 183 access road to connect directly to CR 276.


The project also included an added connection to a new road to the east, Bryson Ridge Trail, which connects to a new 1,430-home neighborhood, Bryson. Workers also replaced a traffic signal, added new vehicle lanes and sidewalks, and improved the pavement on CR 276.


The need for the project was driven by an expected traffic increase at the intersection, Mobility Authority Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein said in a statement.


“The need for improvements at this intersection was recognized by the Mobility Authority, [the Texas Department of Transportation], the city of Leander and Williamson County,” Heiligenstein said. “The upgrades allow for improved motorist access to the intersection while increasing the visibility of the approach to the existing ‘T’ intersection.”


The Mobility Authority collaborated with Bryson developer Crescent Communities on the project, said Dee Anne Heath, Mobility Authority director of external affairs.


Crescent provided about $1.5 million toward the project that was budgeted for about $4.9 million, she said.


Heath said the project may come under budget by about $100,000.


“We were able to save costs on our project by coordinating with [Crescent] and streamlining the drainage design,” Heath said.


The Mobility Authority regularly sought feedback from nearby residents and adjusted the project based on their comments, he said.


For example, the Mobility Authority added construction signs and relayed to TxDOT one resident’s concerns about a nearby railroad crossing’s uneven pavement.


The Mobility Authority plans to finish final project cleanup and plant grass and other vegetation in the area by spring, Heath said.