A $4.6 million road widening project is underway in Plano where Preston Road meets the President George Bush Turnpike.
The project includes adding a southbound right-turn lane for Preston Road traffic to the westbound turnpike on-ramp, according to the city’s website. Additionally, dual left-turn lanes for southbound traffic will be added to the turnpike’s eastbound on-ramp.
The area has an existing right-turn lane that has baffled drivers for years.
Driver Ian McGaughey of Plano told KTVT-TV (Channel 11) that on a near-daily basis, someone tries to turn right to get on the turnpike, only to realize it leads to a car dealership that’s no longer in business. When drivers make the mistake, it causes congestion and in some cases, accidents, he told the news outlet.
The construction is already causing some traffic congestion on Preston Road, and the city plans to adjust stop lights, the television station reported. A Plano news release asks drivers to remain patient during the improvements.
The Texas Department of Transportation is managing the project, which is expected to be completed by spring 2021, weather permitting. The City of Plano said it was awarded to the lowest bidder, J.D. Abrams.
