TxDOT WORKING ON SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT 290-1155 INTERSECTION
Drivers in Chappell Hill may be noticing slowdowns as part of an ongoing TxDOT construction project at the intersection of Highway 290 and FM 1155.
intersection with FM 1155. TxDOT is in the middle
of a construction project meant to provide safety
improvements at the intersection.
(Mark Whitehead)
TxDOT – Bryan District Public Information Officer Bob Colwell says the work at the intersection is part of a safety project to extend the turn lanes at FM 1155 and FM 1371, upgrade signal elements and place a new asphalt surface course. The project is also removing the crossovers between FM 1155 and FM 1371 that allow for unsignalized left and U-turn movements.
The work is contracted to Knife River Corporation – South, with a total project cost of $6.57 million.
According to Colwell, TxDOT estimates completion in early summer of 2025.
As for the project’s effects on drivers, Colwell says TxDOT will discuss the traffic backups with the contractor and look for opportunities to reduce impacts to the traveling public.
TxDOT has researched both short-term and long-term project concepts at the intersection to address long-standing safety concerns. One of those concepts was a Restricted Crossing U-Turn intersection that would have redirected traffic to turn or make U-turns at offset locations along Highway 290, instead of crossing through the intersection itself. However, TxDOT pivoted away from that proposed redesign following feedback from local stakeholders who expressed opposition.