Panel replacement to affect N. Murphy Rd. turn lane

Protected left turn signal to FM 544 goes dark for three days

MURPHY (May 14, 2021) On Friday, May 28, several concrete street panels along the intersection of North Murphy Road and FM 544 will be replaced as part of ongoing street maintenance, addressing and mitigating potential degeneration of the road surface. 

Significantly, the work will affect the dedicated left turn lane which allows traffic on North Murphy Road to turn onto FM 544 in an easterly direction. The left turn lane will be closed only for the duration of the replacement work. 

The panel replacement work will disrupt the detection loop that alerts the traffic control signal to activate the protected left turn arrow, meaning that the arrow will not be operational during the construction. Drivers wishing to turn left (east) onto FM 544 from North Murphy Road should proceed with caution during the green light, yielding to oncoming traffic before proceeding into the intersection. 

Because the left turn signal will not be operational, constraining traffic from a protected left turn from North Murphy Road to FM 544, motorists along North Murphy Road intending to turn east on FM 544 may elect to seek alternate routes. Completion of the panel replacements, and subsequent restoration of the left turn lane, is expected on Monday, May 31.

Warning signs will be in place in advance of the closure and throughout the three-day construction period. Officers with the Murphy Police Department will be monitoring the intersection to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians. 

Inclement weather may affect the schedule, and notices will be posted to alert motorists about any changes in the start date of the work.

Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at (972) 468-4378.