Moores Lane road construction project begins

Construction is now underway on a major road project in Texarkana, Texas.

Transportation officials say the project could take a little over a year to complete.

With more than 11,000 motorists traveling Moores Lane on a daily basis, TXDOT officials say widening the roadway is much needed.

Moores Lane is a busy thorough fair with several churches, businesses, a school, nursing homes, and active subdivisions.

State Farm Insurance Agent, Kelli Ashbrook, says recent stop lights have helped, but it's not solved the traffic issues.

"The stops have helped alleviate alot of those problems, and with the turn lane, I think it will help that much more," said Ashbrook.

Construction crews will be working about a mile and a half of Moores Lane from Richmond Road to Summerhill Road.

Once it's completed, it will be widened with a continuous turning lane.

TXDOT Engineer Kenny Isenhower says the improvements will make Moores Lane safer for motorists.

Meanwhile during construction, Texas law requires crews to provide access to driveways at all times.

Cornerstone Retirement Community Executive, Todd Partin, says if needed there are alternative routes to hospitals.

He expects the construction will be inconvenient at times.

"Whenever you have a construction project that's usually the case, but you have to look at the end product," said Partin.

TXDOT officials say the project will be done in phases.

The project will cost about $1.8 million dollars.