Highway construction continues on 180 East

By Lynsi Musselman

Almost every direction outside of town seems to have road construction.

This includes Highway 180 East to Breckenridge, which has been under construction since May.

The $8.3 million project that began in May includes 12 miles of roadway between the east city limits of Albany and Stephens County line.

Contractor JH Strain & Sons are removing existing asphalt, making repairs to the base as needed, and repaving.

The project also includes installing safety fixtures on culverts and upgrades and repairs to guardrails along that stretch of 180.

The work is expected to be fully completed in March of 2022. 

Texas Department of Transportation said lane closures and delays should be expected, and an alternate route is suggested.

In the other direction on Highway 180 west of Albany to State Highway 351, a rock excavation project will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

The $10.09 million contract was awarded to A.L. Helmcamp of Buffalo Gap and will include 7.4 miles of roadway on both sides to provide a slope and lay new asphalt overlay on the existing roadway.

TXDOT said this project can be expected to be completed in January 2022.

Digital message boards will be placed in the area to notify motorists of upcoming work so they can avoid delays.