June 7, 2019
Bond project completion makes it all right to turn right
MURPHY (June 7, 2019) Drivers and commuters who travel north on South Murphy Road, expecting to turn east onto FM 544 have become accustomed to crossing their fingers for a green light or hoping to avoid getting behind someone who’s waiting out the red light.
“Taking a right turn on a red light is all well and good, unless you’re behind someone who’s not turning,” says City Manager Mike Castro, PhD. “Adding a right turn lane to South Murphy Road as it meets FM 544 alleviates that by providing a dedicated lane. It will be a time saver for many motorists.”
The new right turn only lane is now open, providing a convenience to drivers getting to east Murphy, Wylie and beyond. Removing the at times exasperating obstacle to an unimpeded right turn at that intersection will not only lower frustration levels for many drivers, it will also save time and lower fuel consumption by eliminating wait times and decreasing the amount of time motors idle while waiting.
The South Murphy Road Right Turn Lane project was included in the 2017 General Obligation Bond election approved by voters. While the general idea was to diminish wait times during morning and evening rush hours, the overall result is a smoother flow of traffic at that intersection at all hours.
“We’re certain that the freer movement of cars along that intersection will benefit the popular retail establishments along FM 544 east of Murphy Road, and east Murphy residents who use South Murphy Road will find the commute home faster and hopefully more pleasant,” added Castro.
Designed by Neel-Schaffer, Inc., the intersection’s construction was handled by GRod Construction, LLC. Begun in early March of this year, the construction involved the relocation of a fire hydrant and its feeder line as well as a storm water drainage inlet box. The lane is composed of 430 square yards of 9-inch thick, reinforced concrete pavement and includes 330 linear feet of curb and gutter.
The opening of the new lane will revise the traffic pattern, providing a new dedicated right turn lane as well as an optional right turn lane. The new, dedicated right turn lane can accommodate approximately 10 vehicles in its queue.
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