By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Texas Department of Transportation is trying to wrap up construction at RM 2222 and McNeil Drive before the start of Leander ISD classes on Monday. The project is being done to help facilitate the flow of traffic through this area, the primary access route for both Four Points Middle School and Vandegrift High School.

Once finished, there will be new, dual left-turn lanes from eastbound RM 2222 to McNeil Drive, and the right-turn lane from westbound RM 2222 will be lengthened.

Additionally, McNeil Drive to RM 2222 will be striped with a left-turn, a right-turn, and a center optional left- or right-turn, said Kelli Reyna, TxDOT spokesperson for the Austin District.

Sidewalk ramps and concrete curb and gutter work is being done at night at the RM 2222 and McNeil Drive intersection. This work started on Sunday night and is expected to go through Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night in hopes of getting the project done before Monday.

“The contractor is placing sidewalk ramps, concrete curbs and gutters, and some level up asphalt paving, and has begun some work on milling and asphalt paving on McNeil and RM 2222,” Reyna said.

This work started taking place on Sunday night and is expected to go through Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night.

Once this work is complete, RM 2222 lanes will be shifted to the outside, leaving room for the concrete median that will be constructed in the center island around the new traffic signal pole, Reyna said.

Once final striping is completed, RM 2222 will have dual left-turn lanes. McNeil Drive will also be striped to the 3-lane section, which includes a left-turn, a right-turn, and a center optional left or right-turn, she said.

“These striping changes will be done prior to school starting on the Monday, Aug. 24th,” Reyna said.

Earlier this summer, the center divider on McNeil at RM 2222 was torn out and utility poles were moved to allow the road to be widened.