Denton County, local officials and the Texas Department of Transportation gathered Tuesday to celebrate the completion of construction for Farm-to-Market 1171 from Shiloh Road to I-35W.
“The celebration of opening FM 1171 to six lanes of traffic would not have been possible without the confidence of the voters to provide the County the resources needed through its bond programs,” County Commissioner Andy Eads said.
“Limited government that is responsive to the people, does only that which it should do. First class transportation infrastructure is at the very top of the list of things your government should be doing. Today is a tangible result of your bond funds at work.”
The 7.3 mile project was awarded to Webber, LLC at a construction cost of $45.7 million and was completed approximately five months ahead of schedule. FM 1171 has been expanded from a two-lane rural roadway to six-lanes with a raised median and improvements at all major intersections.
“When Denton County began this project, FM 1171 was a heavily traveled, two lane road. It had limited shoulders, poor sight lines and deep bar ditches. It was a very unforgiving road. While today we are celebrating the widening of FM 1171 to six lanes, just as important to us is the higher level of safety our motorists will experience by bringing this facility up to the latest safety standards,” said Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, who represents a portion of Flower Mound.
“Denton County has been committed to roadway infrastructure programs for nearly three decades. Improving transportation infrastructure not only spurs economic development, but it improves the quality of life of our residents,” said Denton County Judge Mary Horn.
Also in attendance for the ribbon cutting celebration was State Representative Tan Parker of Flower Mound, Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden, Northlake Mayor Peter Dewing as well as other council members and TxDOT officials.
In his remarks during the ceremony State Representative Tan Parker commented, “This is another example of the incredible collaborative spirit that truly sets Denton County apart. The stakeholders in this important road project have been leaders in every way, and I am proud of the innovation and dedication that has made the FM 1171 expansion project possible. We also owe a great amount of gratitude to the homeowners and business owners whose properties were impacted during the construction period. This project will improve safety for the citizens of the region and dramatically improve mobility.”
TxDOT Dallas District Engineer Kelly Selman commented, “This has been a great partnership among Denton County, our contractor, and TxDOT to build a quality roadway. TxDOT would like to thank the residents in the area, who have been extremely supportive and patient. Together, the partners had great success providing much-needed mobility improvements months ahead of schedule.”
“As you’ve all heard as a recurring theme today, enhanced mobility is certainly one of our top goals but improved safety for our drivers is our number one priority and the improvements we’ve made to FM 1171 offers immense safety measures,” said Eads in closing statements.
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