TAYLOR, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Williamson County and Samsung are celebrating the groundbreaking for a road widening.
Officials gathered Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony for the CR 404 and FM 974 Improvement Project, which includes work at the intersection of the two roads that will widen both roads. The intersection is located near the new Samsung plant being built in Taylor.
"This is a very exciting project. It’s going to allow us to create a wider, safer road for neighbors in the area and will help traffic get in and out of the Samsung site," Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles (Precinct 4) said. "Anytime we can get a project started, we’re that much closer to finishing it. That means people can get to work and school faster, and it improves the overall quality of life."
CR 404 will be widened to a total of four lanes and FM 973 will become three lanes. FM 973 will have one lane in either direction with a middle turning lane and will include dedicated right turn lanes to the Samsung plant's driveways.
In addition to the road widening, the TxDOT-led project will include installing traffic signals at the intersection of the two roads and Samsung Highway.
"Safety is the number one concern at Samsung, and it all begins with how we get to work," said Dana Harris, director of government relations at Samsung. "We look forward to working with the county and TxDOT to make this a great place to live, play and work in Williamson County and in Taylor, Texas."
Funding for the project was gathered by a voter-approved road bond in 2019, in addition to Samsung's funding, for $4,622,143.93. The project is estimated to be completed this summer.
"This truly is a partnership between TxDOT, Samsung and Williamson County,” said Tucker Ferguson, Austin District engineer for TxDOT. "We have a tremendous history partnering with Williamson County and all of our projects have elements of safety, mobility and easing congestion and this one fits right into that mold. We couldn’t be more proud to work with the county and congratulate them on this project."
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