Two road widening projects expected to increase mobility and lessen traffic on both Magnolia's west and east side are progressing on schedule, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The widening of FM 1774 in Magnolia is still scheduled for completion in September 2014, however, TxDOT is expecting possible delays on the project in the future.

"The latest schedule received March 8 still has the project scheduled for completion in September 2014," TxDOT spokeswoman Deidrea Samuels said. "We do, however, anticipate the contractor requesting additional days due to utility relocations and possible design issues. As of today though the contractor has not submitted a time request."

Hassel Construction, who was awarded the bid to construct the $11.3 million project, is working in areas where there are no conflicts and is combining two phases to accelerate the construction process and mitigate further delays, Samuels said. Phase 1, which widened the existing roadway to the north side of FM 1774 along the railroad tracks so traffic could be moved over for Phase 2 construction, is complete. The contractor is working on Phase 2 and 4, which consists of placing the storm sewer, inlets and paving the southbound side of FM 1774. Once that is completed, work on Phase 3 will commence, Samuels said. Phase 3 will move the traffic so work can begin on the northbound side of FM 1774.

The project to widen FM 2978 from Conroe-Huffsmith Road to Dry Creek Road has been split into two separate projects, Samuels said. The first project will widen FM 2978 from Conroe-Huffsmith Road to the Harris County line is underway. Time charges were set Feb. 15, 2013 and the contractor began work on the project April 15, 2013. The contractors are working on the punch list for that project, which is a document used to organize the completion of a project, she said. The second project, which will widen the road from the Harris County line to Dry Creek Road, has not yet been let, or open for bidding.