Williamson County, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, officially initiated the FM 971 project on July 30. The infrastructure endeavor aims to augment road safety adjacent to the forthcoming Granger High School by installing a continuous left-turn lane and a dedicated right-turn lane, facilitating entry to the school's driveway. With a focus on practicality and public safety, the development also encompasses drainage and utility enhancements along FM 971.
"This project will make it safer for students, faculty and staff traveling to the new Granger High School," Williamson County Commissioner Pct. 4 Russ Boles stated, acknowledging the need to significantly improve the commute for Granger's youth and educational professionals. Traffic, widely known to congest with routine predictability near schools, is expected to effortlessly circulate as a result of these strategic alterations. Kyle Russell, TxDOT Georgetown area engineer, further emphasized the joint efforts, declaring, "Our partnerships with Williamson County and Granger ISD help forward transportation projects like this one, which are essential for ensuring safe and efficient travel in our communities."
The FM 971 project taps into the budget sanctioned by the voter-approved 2023 WilCo Road Bond, amounting to a cost of about $1.16 million. Local expertise is front and center with Atkins leading as the project engineer, while Lone Star Sitework LLC has been brought on as the contractor responsible for the hands-on construction phase.
Residents and local students can expect to see the fruits of this infrastructure investment by winter 2025, when the project is set to be completed. Such enhancements are a direct response to Granger's community growth and the corresponding need to swiftly adapt the surrounding roadways. Those commuting in the vicinity are encouraged to remain alert to the construction phases and appreciate the progress unfolding, apt to bring a smoother, more secure road experience for all.
For more details on the FM 971 project and updates, interested parties can refer to the official announcement on the Williamson County website at wilcotx.gov.
