The new continuous flow intersection at RM 1431 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard/Parmer Lane is scheduled to open Aug. 2.
The City of Cedar Park said in a release crews will close lanes at the intersection Sunday and Monday night to add road markings and adjust the signals. Once the intersection is operational, the city added in a release “the contractor will continue to pave the project at night.”
Cedar Park outlined the closures:
- Sunday, 8 p.m. to Monday, 6 a.m.: Various lane closures, eastbound pavement work: Work on Sunday night includes blacking out all of the existing eastbound pavement markings, adjusting the traffic signals, and restriping the eastbound RM 1431 through lanes to the new lane assignments.
- Monday, 8 p.m. to Tuesday, 6 a.m.: Westbound work, intersection closed, expect detours: On Monday night, crews will black out all of the existing westbound and RM 1431/Parmer Lane intersection pavement markings, as well as adjust the traffic signals for the new westbound lanes.
- Beginning at 10 p.m., the RM 1431/Parmer Lane intersection will be closed to left-turning and through-traffic. All traffic will be forced to make a right turn and follow detours in order for work to take place in the middle of the intersection.
A continuous flow intersection (CFI) was designed to allow left-turning traffic to move simultaneously with through traffic. A CFI moves the left turn signals back and directs that traffic to the far left side of the road and through a free-flowing left turn at the intersection. Cedar Park officials are working with Williamson County and TxDOT to help drivers understand the new intersection configuration.
“We know that driving through this new type of intersection is different, as it’s the first-of-its-kind in this area,” said Bobby Ramthun, TxDOT area engineer, in a release from the city. “However, once you get used to it, you’ll find that it is not difficult to understand and navigate. If you follow the traffic signs and road stripes, it will guide you straight through the intersection.”
The city said final paving of the intersection from Market Street to Toro Grande is expected to be complete by late August, with additional work between Toro Grande and Sam Bass Road (CR 175) continuing into the fall.
Austin already two CFIs along U.S. 290, at William Cannon Drive and SH 71.
Go here for a visualization of how a CFI works.
