By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
Motorists who drive along a congested Garth Brooks Boulevard during peak traffic hours are popping their buttons as long-awaited upgrades get underway next week.
Construction starts Jan. 11 and estimated completion is Feb. 12 for the stop light and turn line improvements.
The two-phase project features installation of right-hand turn lanes onto the Interstate 40 on-ramps and enhanced traffic signals at all intersections between N.W. 10th and Vandament.
Motorists are encouraged to be patient during the estimated five weeks of construction along the busy thoroughfare.
The Garth Brooks Boulevard roadwork is intended to reduce traffic “back-ups” along the highly traveled Yukon business district, city officials said.
These impending improvements will help reduce the “stacking” of vehicles along the busy commercial corridor.
The project will “get that traffic moving a lot better,” Yukon Development Services Director Mitchell Hort said.
Construction has started on the I-40/Garth Brooks Boulevard on-ramps.
Contractor Brewer Construction will install dedicated right-turn lanes off Garth Brooks Boulevard onto I-40. Project cost is $322,695.
The project will take about 40 days and traffic will be limited to one lane on the ramps.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL …
Meanwhile, crews are due to start work Jan. 18 to improve the traffic lights at intersections along Garth Brooks Boulevard from N.W. 10th to Vandament. Estimated completion is Jan. 29.
Contractors SignalTek Inc. and Traffic Engineering Consultants will provide traffic signal improvements, coordination and remote 24/7 monitoring at eight intersections. Project cost is $202,475.
“Traffic will flow better,” Yukon city engineer Robbie Williams told the city council last fall. “You will see traffic improvement.”
Upgrades will feature the removal of existing traffic signal equipment, installation of new traffic signal controllers and development and implementation of coordination plans.
Flashing yellow left-turn lights will be installed.
Traffic signals are at these intersections: N.W. 10th, Target Drive, Health Center Parkway, Interstate 40 (eastbound and westbound), Andrew Drive, Walmart Drive, and Vandament Avenue.
Several years ago, the City of Yukon authorized a study along Garth Brooks Boulevard that identified 13 projects that should be done over the next 25 years.
