LEANDER, Texas — The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is set to give an update Wednesday morning on a highway expansion project in Williamson County aimed at giving drivers less headaches on the roads from Leander northward to Liberty Hill.
The 183A toll extension, which will extend the toll road northward from Hero Way to north of State Highway 29 in Liberty Hill, was set to be completed by the end of March. However, the project hit a roadblock after board members expressed frustration over construction being nowhere near its expected end date.
The project is aimed at relieving traffic congestion, giving more drivers time on the road and providing a more reliable transportation option.
Construction started in 2021 with a total price stamp of $250 million.
During a board of directors meeting in late February, Board Treasurer David Singleton said he’s on the stretch of road “every day,” criticizing the project’s contractor, Lane Construction.
“From my perspective, [Lane Construction’s] projected schedule, they’ve lost all credibility. We’ve got a GEC on this project, and we would really appreciate it if y’all would put your heads together and give us an honest opinion on when this thing’s going to be open,” Singleton said.
The Mobility Authority’s Director of Engineering, Mike Sexton, spoke at last month’s meeting, listing the final touches that were being done, including paving and camera installations.
Lane Construction wasn’t present during the meeting. KVUE reached out to the company on Tuesday for insight on its projected timeline, but did not receive a response.
Singleton also pointed out how the mobility authority needs to plan financially, and because of the delays, the organization has already spent $115 million in out-of-pocket expenses in liquidated damages.
“This project is not where it should be, and for [Lane Construction] to ghost us is unacceptable,” said Singleton.
The Board of Directors is set to meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday to provide a project update.