Work began in July on a Texas Department of Transportation project to widen the portion of Hwy. 290 between East Circle Drive and El Rey Boulevard. The project will add a center-turn lane and shoulder, increasing the number of lanes from four to five. Crews are spreading topsoil and seeding to establish permanent vegetation on the westbound Hwy. 290 right of way. Paving of the westbound shoulder and intersections is set to take place next week. Crews will also adjust guard rails and add 500 feet of new guard rail from Boling Drive to Scenic Brook Drive. Timeline: early July-spring 2018 Cost: $1.9 million Funding sources: Category 8 safety funding