From TXDOT:
Major Traffic Switches on Big 6 Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beginning in late January 2009, the Texas Department of Transportation's contractor is planning a major traffic switch on the construction project of SH 6 between FM 159 and the Navasota River. The below timeline is subject to change due to weather.
DAY 1-The east frontage road will be striped and signed for northbound one-way traffic between FM 2154 and FM 159. The posted speed limit will be 55mph. The northbound exit ramp at FM 159 will be closed for this one day and traffic will be directed to take the next exit and turn around to access FM 159. The crossover between the east frontage road and existing SH 6 and FM 2154 will be opened to local traffic. Through traffic on the existing roadway will not be affected on Day 1.
DAY 2-Northbound mainlane traffic will be switched. At the Navasota River Bridge, traffic will be moved from the left lane to the right lane while the contractor constructs the second half of the pavement. After crossing the river bridge, traffic will be opened to two lanes and all traffic will exit using the northbound exit ramp and get on the east frontage road. North of FM 2154, all through traffic will take the northbound detour and get on the new concrete mainlanes and stay on them until they get back on the existing roadway at the FM 159.
ONE WEEK LATER-Southbound mainlane traffic will be switched. Traffic coming from College Station will go straight onto the new concrete mainlanes south of FM 159. Then, just south of Westward Ho, all southbound traffic will exit using the southbound detour and get on the existing roadway, where the speed limit be 55mph. Southbound traffic will remain on the existing roadway for the rest of the project.
The existing roadway from south of FM 159 to south of Westward Ho will be a southbound one-way frontage road. After the traffic switch, the contractor will be doing work on this section but one lane will remain open at all times. This section of frontage road will be posted for 45mph until construction is complete.
All these traffic shifts are part of the $100.3 million dollar widening project is contracted to TJ Lambrecht Construction Company out of Joliet, Illinois. This entire project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2010. TxDOT and their contractor appreciate everyone's patience during this ongoing work.
