In an ongoing effort to improve safety and address congestion,the Texas Transportation Commission approved the $2.45 million bid by Hunter Industries to improve the intersection of I-35 and Rueckle Road in New Braunfels.
“As Texas roadways become increasingly crowded, we must find ways to relieve congestion without compromising safety,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. “Keeping travelers moving safely and efficiently will continue to be an ongoing priority as Texas welcomes nearly 1,000 newcomers each day.”
The project will stretch approximately 0.2 miles along Loop 337 between I-35 and Altgelt Road. The highway overpass will be expanded from two lanes in each direction – including the dedicated left-turn lanes – to three lanes each way. This will be accomplished by removing a raised center median and converting the south-to-north turnaround. Construction is expected to begin spring 2014 and be completed by early 2015.
“In a state as vast as Texas, it is imperative to not only have reliable roadways connecting our rural and urban citizens, but also to be diligent in designing and maintaining them with safety in mind,” said Commissioner Fred Underwood of the Texas Transportation Commission. “Keeping everyone safe on the road is our first priority. We must do everything we can to get the driving public safely to their destinations and home to their families at the end of the day.”
Loop 337 will be widened to fit the expanded overpass and tied into the intersection at Altgelt. Traffic patterns on this small segment of road are complicated by the high volume of trucks using the truck stop at this intersection. These improvements are intended to simplify traffic patterns and relieve the associated congestion.
The total cost for the work, including the engineering and design work already done, is $3.18 million.
A bid from CRG, of San Antonio, to rehabilitate the intersection of FM 471 and I-35 in Natalia was also accepted. That bid was $1.34 million. The total project will cost an estimated $1.7 million and will begin this spring.
