Construction nears completion on 1.3-mile stretch of Hwy. 71

Construction is expected to finish in late July on a 1.3-mile stretch of Hwy. 71 between Upland Ridge Drive and Southwest Parkway.

The $10.2 million project added center turn lanes on the highway. Texas Department of Transportation spokesman John Hurt said the added turn lanes are intended to help reduce traffic and the number of vehicle collisions on the highway.

"Whether it is north or southbound, it gets [drivers] out of the main lanes and drastically reduces the possibility of a rear-end collision," he said. "It gives them a safe place to set while they are waiting to make the turn."

At the beginning of the year, the project was estimated to be finished by April, but a wetter-than-expected winter pushed the completion date back several months, Hurt said.

Business owners and employees along the stretch of road said they are excited to see the construction finished.

Texas Golf Cars and Service Manager Will Barrett said the construction combined with the downturn economy was painful for the business.

"The timing wasn't the greatest in the world," he said. "It was a double whammy."

The Texas Department of Transportation has been making improvements on Hwy. 71 since 2005 to add center turn lanes from Hwy. 290 west to Pace Bend Road.

Construction and planning on several other projects is ongoing.