WEATHERFORD — The Texas Department of Transportation’s project to improve Farm-to-Market Road 1884 is under way. The $6.4 million project will add shoulders to the roadway, add left turn lanes at several intersections and replace the bridge over Sanchez Creek. The project will be constructed within the existing right of way.

The contractor, Ed Bell Construction Company of Dallas, will construct the project in sections beginning work on the north end of the project near Briarwood Street and progressing southward. During the bridge replacement work, traffic will use the temporary detour but return to normal lanes once the bridge is complete.

There will be daily lane closures and a few occasions when FM 1884 will be completely closed.  Daily lane closures will begin at 8 a.m. till sundown. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with either flaggers or a pilot car present, but will return to normal lane configuration at the end of the day. Project completion is planned for 2014.

Motorists should keep the following tips in mind when driving through the work zone:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits.  Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient. Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
• Plan ahead. Leave a few minutes early when traveling through a work zone in order to reach your destination on time.

Project lane closures are accessible at:  www.txdot.gov, KEYWORD: Road Conditions.

For more information, contact TxDOT PIO Natalie Galindo at (817) 370-6674.