WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Some relief has arrived for drivers in Williamson County as the first part of Samsung Highway is now open.
The first segment, which connects CR 404 to FM 973, opened on Monday. It's part of a bigger project that will connect FM 3349 to FM 973 just south of Samsung's new semiconductor plant in Taylor.
Crews started construction back in January on the first segment, which aims at creating a four-lane road to reduce curves on CR 404, and increase safety for drivers in the area. FM 973 will also become three lanes with one lane in both directions and a dedicated turning lane in the middle.
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“As East Williamson County grows this is an important connection to keep our communities safe and mobile and will serve at the foundation for the East Wilco Highway,” Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said Monday. “Parents should have dinner with their families, not stuck in traffic.”
Segment 2, which will connect CR 404 to FM 3349, is scheduled to be completed by summer 2024.
The Texas Tribune reported in June that the state would pump $1.4 billion into microchip research and manufacturing initiatives in an effort to attract new investments. Samsung's plant being built in Taylor, which was announced in November 2021, represents a $17.3 billion investment that is expected to create at least 2,000 jobs.
The Taylor facility is expected to open in 2024.
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