We've previously mentioned the tremendous challenge we face in terms of major utility (gas, water, sewer, electricity, fiber optic cable) work that needs be conducted before construction can start on the FM 1560 (Hausman Road) expansion project from Loop 1604 to SH 16 (Bandera Road).
The project doubles the total number of lanes from two to four (two in each direction) with a raised median and sidewalk and bicycle accommodations.
Well, the challenge is definitely manifesting itself and forcing us to make significant changes to the original plans. For example, the gasline under the roadway at the intersection of Hausman and Bandera has proven to be quite difficult.
The contractor also encountered elevation conflicts at the sanitary sewer connections under the designated right-turn lane from Hausman to Bandera, forcing a temporary halt to work there and leading to the necessary slope redesign in order to maintain appropriate flow velocity.
We know full well that it's that dedicated right-turn lane that has created a lot of public interest, since with the already narrow roadway, having to take that turn lane away leads to significant traffic congestion during peak times. Initially, our contractor had requested to keep the lane closed until today, hoping to have had enough time to get sufficient work done and be able to reopen it. Unfortunately, that has not proven to be the case and the reopen has now been pushed back to Monday, May 20.
We know that is not what most of you wanted to hear. However, the extra pain for about two more months will hopefully prove to be more than worth it. The original construction plans had the right-turn lane closed for the entire duration of the project, which is estimated to be completed in early 2023 (the first phase involving utility work takes about 18 months).
Considering the public impact of such a lengthy closure, we tasked our contractor with coming up with alternatives minimizing the lane closure time.
Toward that purpose, we scrapped the original plans to the extent possible and instead the contractor will focus on completing all permanent elements (gasline tie-ins, water and sanity sewer adjustments and drainage crossing) impacting the right-turn lane over the next two months -- as opposed to doing a bit a time for the next three years.
We truly appreciate the public's patience and understanding. But at least two months is definitely better than three years! Assuming all the work can get done in time, drivers should have a dedicated right-turn lane back in place by the end of May.
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