With road construction projects underway at various locations across town, the city of Plano has started an alert system that will inform drivers with up-to-date information on these projects via text and email alerts. The alerts include updates about lane and ramp closures and any other issues that might be slowing traffic and affecting motorists. The alert system informs drivers about issues along Plano's most used roadways, such as North Central Expressway, the Dallas North Tollway, Independence Parkway, K Avenue, the President George Bush Turnpike, Sam Rayburn Tollway and Preston Road. Plano residents and commuters who sign up for the alerts will be notified about long-term and short-term road projects that require closures on a weekly basis, as well as a times when there is a change in the traffic pattern, Engineering Director Caleb Thornhill said. "It is just another way to reach out to the citizens and help them plan the route during the work week," he said. Thornhill said the department is also working toward making the alerts less repetitive and more useful by combining information about both the NTTA and city projects. Apart from road construction and lane closures, the alerts also include updates about road closures due to special events, debris, accidents, traffic detours and chemical spills. Drivers can choose the particular routes that they would like to receive alerts about. To sign up for the road alerts via text and email, click here.