On Thursday, an ongoing project on U.S. Highway 285 will channel travel down to one lane at 4-Mile Draw for about two months.
The work involves replacing a bridge-class culvert at 4-Mile Draw, a Texas Department of Transportation news release stated, leaving one lane available to cross the culvert, which is a stream tunnel or open drain under a road.
During this work, only one lane will be open and temporary traffic signals will be in operation around the clock at the culvert.
“People need to follow the red light, because if somebody runs a red light, they’re going to meet somebody and there’s not going to be any place for them to go,” Odessa District of TxDOT Spokesman Gene Powell said.
The single lane will only be about 14 feet wide, limited to 11-foot wide vehicle loads, meaning two cars won’t be able to get through, and Powell said driving on the shoulder isn’t an option, as there will be a drop-off next to the lane.
The release stated the work on the culvert is expected to last about two months. Delays can be expected and alternate routes are encouraged.
This work is part of a project to improve about 10.8 miles of Highway 285 between County Road 232 and Orla north of Pecos, the release detailed. The project is being done by Constructors Inc. of Carlsbad, N.M., who won the project with a low bid of $12,525,496. Two additional U.S. Highway 285 projects are scheduled for bid openings in April and May.
