US 290 East in Lee County, Texas, is now officially under construction, following its groundbreaking this week.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is funding the project, which will result in the widening and division of eight miles across the four-lane highway. A cable barrier and grassy median are being put into place along the road, to separate eastbound lanes from westbound lanes. Interior and exterior shoulders will be added as well.
“This project helps us achieve the ultimate goal to divide US 290 from Elgin to Giddings,” Terry McCoy, TxDOT Austin District Engineer, said. “The final product will not only benefit local traffic but those who travel from Austin to Houston and back.”
The project will cost $23.8 million and will be built by Big Creek Construction LTD. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by summer 2021.