Construction on the second of two intersection improvement projects at the Y at Oak Hill is slated to begin Sept. 30, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The transportation authority is urging motorists to use caution in the work zone and pay attention to signage. TxDOT anticipates the construction will be completed in spring 2015, according to a news release.

The project involves constructing continuous-flow intersections, or CFIs, between Hwy. 71 and Joe Tanner Lane, according to TxDOT spokeswoman Kelli Reyna. At CFIs, lanes are moved to allow a driver to turn left while a driver on the opposite side of the intersection can drive straight ahead, for example. Traffic models show these intersection improvements will improve travel times by 30 percent to 50 percent.

TxDOT estimates the construction will cost about $6.5 million.

Construction began earlier this year on the first phase, consisting of adding Hwy. 290 turn lanes between Convict Hill Road and RM 1826, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. TxDOT said it is working with the city of Austin's arborist to remove some trees to allow for widening the roadway and preserve as many trees as possible in the project area.

TxDOT expects the interim projects to relieve congestion while work on the Oak Hill Parkway environmental study continues and long-term concepts are explored. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and TxDOT recently began work on a new long-term improvement concept based on requests to combine elements of the concepts presented May 23 at an Oak Hill Parkway open house. Another Oak Hill Parkway open house is scheduled for Oct. 22 from 5–8 p.m. at Covington Middle School, 3700 Convict Hill Road.