2222/620 work being done now with much less traffic

Less traffic from the coronavirus stay-at-home order has allowed crews to work on the most disruptive part of the $23.6 million RM 2222 widening project ahead of schedule. LYNETTE HAALAND

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Last week, Texas Department of Transportation started installing a storm sewer water line at the intersection of RM 2222 and RM 620, and this work is ahead of schedule thanks to the stay-at-home ordinance by state and local authorities.

“We are installing the storm sewer water line earlier than anticipated because of lower traffic volume we’re experiencing right now,” said Brad Wheelis, TxDOT Austin public information officer.

The storm sewer water line is going down the existing center-turn lane of RM 2222 from just east of RM 620 to west of River Place Boulevard in Travis County. 

This storm sewer water line has long been considered the most disruptive part of the entire RM 2222 widening project, according to TxDOT officials over the years. It is significant roadwork that digs into the current roadway limiting access.

During this work, construction crews will close the inside lane of RM 2222 in the east and westbound direction, in addition to the center-turn lane, TxDOT stated. 

Crews will perform the water line installation work in sections and therefore, lane closures will only be in effect around the active work zone, Wheelis stated.

Additional turn lane closures at the RM 2222 and RM 620 intersection will be in place for the duration of the work.

Work is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and last for approximately six weeks. But as usual, dates and times of the closures are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

This work is part of the $23.6 million project that will add a third lane to eastbound RM 2222 from Bonaventure Drive to Sitio Del Rio Boulevard and westbound from Ribelin Ranch Drive to the River Place Boulevard area. A center median with turn lanes will also be constructed within the project limits. 

The other project going on simultaneously in Four Points is the $15.8 million bypass road project which is going through open land beginning near 6715 RM 620 near BBQ Outfitters and connecting to RM 2222.

On April 1 of this week, the westbound RM 2222 left lane was closed between McNeil Drive and River Place Boulevard so crews could move the concrete barrier for the next phase of the project.

If traffic volume increases substantially, the project team will re-evaluate daytime closures.