After three years, the long-awaited FM 423 expansion project that runs through Frisco, Little Elm and The Colony, is almost finished. The Texas Department of Transportation began the expansion project in October 2014 in two phases. The cost of the entire project, which includes landscaping and traffic light improvements, is $81.5 million. “This project is critical to the movement of people and vehicles through this area,” TxDOT spokesperson Michelle Releford said. “The population has grown substantially in a short amount of time and the citizens were fortunate to receive regional toll revenue to expedite both FM 423 projects.” The first phase of the project was completed in October. This section of FM 423 stretches from US 380 to Eldorado Parkway and runs through Frisco and Little Elm. The section of the roadway has been widened from two to six lanes. The second phase of the project stretches from SH 121 and Stewarts Creek Road and runs through Frisco and The Colony. This section has been widened to six and eight lanes. The roadway from SH 121 to Cougar Alley in The Colony is being widened from four to eight lanes. From Cougar Alley to Stewarts Creek Road in Frisco, the roadway is being widened from four to six lanes. The estimated completion for the second phase is December 2017, Releford said. Current work being done to this phase includes painting sound walls, adjusting water valves, adding fire hydrants and manholes and pedestrian ramps. TxDOT spokesperson Michelle Raglon said once the majority of the main construction is complete, TxDOT will begin construction on minor projects, such as improving traffic light signals. Traffic light improvements will take place at intersections from Lebanon Road to Panther Creek Parkway. These projects are expected to begin in Dec. 18, Raglon said. The completion date has not been announced.