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I10 EXPANSION
With construction on I-10 already in full swing and set to take place for the foreseeable future, how can you prepare for the “road” ahead?
Having begun officially on Oct. 14, the project involves expansion on I-10 from the Columbus area stretching all the way to San Antonio.
The new configuration will have three east bound and three WB mainlines. Two lanes, one direction for EB and WB frontage roads. There will also be a re-alignment east of business 71 to straighten the highway to take out the curve.
The Citizen sat down with Lucea’n Kuykendall, Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation Yoakum District, to get more insight on the project at the possible effects on drivers throughout Colorado County.
Kuykendall said people within the county should expect a variety of different “inconveniences” as a result of the ongoing construction.
“As with any construction project, there will be increased traffic, closures, and sometimes longer delays,” said Kuykendall. “TxDOT and the contractors do our best to minimize any travel delays and inconveniences that the traveling public might face during this time.”
One of Kuykendall’s primary responsibilities as a public information officer is getting all the right information out to media outlets and the public as quickly as possible, such as road closures, road conditions and more, that will better prepare travelers to deal with any issues that may come about as a result of the ongoing construction.
Updates are sent regarding any relevant information that may help drivers find a detour before being stuck in traffic.
“We will continue to send out updates as quickly and early as possible to give travelers a heads-up on road conditions and to help them plan their routes,” said Kuykendall. “We are asking that the traveling public please make sure to visit www.drivetexas. org to see closures prior to traveling – this may give them a chance to choose a different route if there is a delay or closure on the roads they will be traveling. We share traffic updates with the newspaper, radio stations, and our social media platforms. If you can use an alternate route during the construction phase, I urge you to do so.”
Kuykendall warns drivers to be more prepared to encounter delays and to leave earlier than usual regarding travel plans if needing to be somewhere. With construction beginning midway through the late holiday season, Kuykendall says to “add more time to your travel plans.”
“This time of the year there will be increased traveling due to the holidays, vacations,” said Kuykendall. “And let’s not forget that we also have to take into account sporting events and other local events that this area is widely known for. As the holiday season approaches, traveling will increase. We ask that everyone add more time to their traveling plans and please leave a little early – just in case they encounter a delay. Use an alternate route away from the construction if possible and as always, please be patient and courteous while on the roadways.”
The estimated completion time according to the contract in hand is 1,500 days maximum. This is the maximum number of days allowed to complete the project unless several factors, such as the weather, affect this number.
