FM 41 crossover at US 87 reopening to traffic

LUBBOCK COUNTY- The Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to reopen the FM 41 crossover at US 87, Wednesday, Aug. 7, afternoon. US 87 drivers are asked to slow down, watch out for crews removing barrier and should expect inside lane closures while the barriers are removed.

The crossover was originally closed as part of a construction project to build a bridge at the intersection, said Ed Goebel, P.E., Lubbock District Director of Construction.

"Unfortunately, progress on the project stopped when the contractor was defaulted last year. Because we do not have a definite date on when work will restart, we've taken steps to resume the normal flow of traffic by removing the detour and reopening the crossover," Goebel said. "The safety of the traveling public is our number one priority, so we've added safety features to the intersection to make the public aware of the new traffic conditions."

Flashing yellow lights on US 87 have been installed to remind drivers to stay alert and watch out for slower moving FM 41 traffic crossing the roadway. Flashing yellow lights with divided highway ahead and intersection ahead signs have been installed on FM 41. Flashing red stop signs have been added to FM 41 inside the crossover. Additional overhead lighting to illuminate the interchange is scheduled to be installed.

Portable message boards alerting drivers to the new traffic conditions have also been staged along US 87 and FM 41.

"We're asking drivers on both US 87 and FM 41 to stay extra cautious driving through the intersection and remind them that the area is still considered an active work zone with reduced speed limits," Goebel said.