Breckenridge Texan

The Texas Department of Transportation has provided updates on two road construction projects in Breckenridge.

FM 3099-U.S. 180 intersection

A new traffic signal is set to be activated at the intersection of FM 3099 and U.S. Highway 180 West in Breckenridge as part of the ongoing intersection realignment project, according to TxDOT officials.

Lisa Tipton, public information officer for TxDOT’s Brownwood District, which oversees projects in Stephens County, said the decision to install the signal followed a comprehensive traffic signal study conducted in 2017, which identified the need for the safety improvement at the intersection. The traffic signal installation is part of TxDOT’s broader safety enhancement efforts, she said.

“The installation of the traffic signal is part of TxDOT’s ongoing commitment to enhance road safety for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Tipton said in an email “The signal, which has been in the plans since initial design, will help regulate traffic flow, reduce the risk of crashes, and improve visibility at this busy intersection.”

Once activated, the signal will flash red for approximately two weeks, during which time “motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop,” Tipton said. After the initial period, the signal will begin normal operation, cycling through regular signal phases.

“Attention to the new traffic signals will be crucial during the initial adjustment period to ensure a smooth transition,” Tipton said. “Drivers should remain vigilant and courteous when approaching the intersection, especially during the first few weeks of activation.”

The project was started in 2022 to improve the FM 3099 roadway from Northglen Road to 0.2 miles south of U.S. Highway in Breckenridge, along with the intersection at U.S.180. The overall purpose of the project was to realign the intersection to match the northern portion of FM 3099. Previously, the intersection was disjointed, and to travel on FM 3099 across U.S. Highway 180, drivers had to turn onto the highway and travel about 200 feet before turning back onto the farm road.

The project has included tearing down the old 7-Eleven/Skinny’s building, replacing culverts, adding sidewalks and more.

U.S. 183 Project Update

In a separate development, local residents can expect progress on the ongoing U.S. Highway 183 project through Breckenridge.

After Stephens County Judge Michael Roach reached out to State Senator Phil King’s office regarding the status of the project, Jordan R. Perry, P.E., Eastland Area Engineer for the TxDOT Brownwood District, provided an update.

According to Perry, work on the final surface mix will begin no later than Monday, March 24, 2025, weather permitting.

“The timeframe for the first possible date the roadway will be opened to traffic on final surface and final configuration is anticipated to be Friday, May 16, 2025; however, this will be temperature dependent,” Perry said in an email to Roach and others interested in the project.

Perry noted that “summer asphalt season begins Thursday, May 15, 2025, when the temperatures will allow for final surface hot mix paving,” adding that the work “requires consistent warm temperatures for placement and curing.”

TxDOT will continue to work with local officials throughout the completion of the project to provide working progress updates to the public, he said in the email.

Cutline, top photo: Work crews recently installed traffic signals at the intersection of FM 3099 and U.S. Highway 180 West. The road construction project will straighten out the intersection where the farm road crosses the highway. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan) 

Related articles:

TxDOT expects April completion of long-delayed U.S. Highway 183 North construction, depending on weather (Feb. 27, 2025)

Westside 7-Eleven torn down as FM 3099 improvement project moves forward (March 26, 2022)

Stephens County Commissioners approve subdivision plan at PK Lake, discuss TxDOT project for FM 3099 (March 10, 2021)