2 Leander Roads To Be Widened

Leander officials are trying to get two main roads in the area to catch up to traffic growth.

The City Council is expected to approve improvement projects on Bagdad Road and Old FM 2243, reported Community Impact Newspaper.

The project on Old FM 2243, estimated at about $24 million, would expand the road from two to four lanes and add a center turning lane on the stretch of road north of Lakeline Boulevard and west of US 183. Work is expected to begin January and last 18 months. Williamson County is expected to cover half the cost.

The project is meant to improve the safety of the road, as business growth has made it more hazardous. During the project, drain ditches would be converted into storm sewers and electric lines, traffic signals and sidewalks would be relocated, City Engineer Wayne Watts told Community Impact.

City Manager Tom Yantis told the newspaper that the project will be a construction challenge.

“We’re in a small, tight corridor, trying to get a lot of lanes of traffic in there, and we have a ton of utilities and a major overhead electric transmission line [to deal with],” Yantis said.

The Bagdad Road project would cost an estimated $13 million and widen the road between Old FM 2243 and CR 280. Bagdad Road has fewer business than Old FM 2243, so the project is expected to facilitate growth along the road.

Nearby construction has made these road projects a priority. A new residential development is being built along Old FM 2243 and Bagdad Road, as well as the new Tom Glenn High School.