Construction is more than halfway complete on a new communications system that will affect all traffic signals on portions of Telge, West, Barker Cypress and Huffmeister roads.

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality II Communications Project is replacing a system that was time-based and not remotely monitored or controlled, according to Paul Hawkins, assistant manager of engineering for Precinct 3.

"The fiber optic-based communication system being constructed will allow for monitoring of the signal operations from TranStar by employees of the Harris County Public Infrastructure Department's Traffic and Transportation group," he said. "It will also allow them to remotely change and update the signal operations if conditions require."

The federally funded project will cost about $4.5 million for work done in Precincts 3 and 4. Construction should be complete by November.