Work to begin this spring, area to be widened to four lanes from Telge Road to Hwy. 249

By the end of next year, one portion of Spring Cypress Road will appear much different, following the completion of a construction project to widen the roadway and alleviate congestion in the area.

The right-of-way that was acquired to complete the project was cleared in late 2011, which caused several utility companies to relocate their facilities along the roadway.

When completed, Spring Cypress Road—from Telge Road to Hwy. 249—will be four lanes within a 60-foot right-of-way with a storm sewer system, traffic signal modifications and drainage mitigation. The new road will also feature 32-foot wide curbed medians, median openings and left-hand turn lanes.

Drivers who need to pass through the area during the construction process will still have access to two lanes, but exceptions may require the use of one-way flagging.

"This condition will only be used when there are no other options for ensuring the safety of both the motorists and construction crews," said Pamela Rocchi, director of capital improvement projects for Precinct 4.

The first phase of construction, which will run from Telge Road to Faulkey Gully, was put out for bid in early April. Since the process can take three or four months, construction is expected to begin in late summer, according to Rocchi.

The cost for the first segment is about $9.8 million, while the second portion will cost nearly $8 million.

The construction contract for the second phase—slated to run from Faulkey Gully to Hwy. 249—was awarded to Menade Inc. in February. Construction began in mid-April and is expected to be complete by November 2013.

Need to know

• Project details: Spring Cypress Road will widen to four lanes from Telge Road to Hwy. 249. Project includes a storm sewer system, traffic signal modification and drainage mitigation
• Phase One: Will run from Telge Road to Faulkey Gully and is expected to begin construction in late summer
• Phase Two: Will run from Faulkey Gully to Hwy. 249. Construction began mid-April and is expected to be completed by November 2013
• Traffic delays: Motorists will have access to two lanes in the area, but one-way flagging will be used as needed during the construction phase