TxDOT to continue construction along U.S. 281

  • ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD Work crews and equipment are preparing the U.S. Highway 281 South roadway for a new traffic configuration that the Texas Depatment of Transportation said will allow motorists to drive on the travel lanes on the west side of the highway. For now, the intersection at Naruna Road remains closed, and the Sulphur Creek bridge at Business 281 remains closed to through traffic.
    ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD Work crews and equipment are preparing the U.S. Highway 281 South roadway for a new traffic configuration that the Texas Depatment of Transportation said will allow motorists to drive on the travel lanes on the west side of the highway. For now, the intersection at Naruna Road remains closed, and the Sulphur Creek bridge at Business 281 remains closed to through traffic.

    The Texas Department of Transportation’s construction efforts along U.S. Highway 281 South resumed Monday in preparation for a new traffic pattern.

    The project that started in February 2024 is estimated to be completed in May 2026.

    TxDOT’s Brownwood District Public Information Officer Lisa Tipton said contracted crews are prepping to develop a new traffic configuration along U.S. 281 near the high school campus. Construction will allow motorists to drive on newly developed lanes on the west side of the highway in the near future.

    “TxDOT is working with the contractor to have traffic switched by early next week, weather permitting,” Tipton said. “More information will be released as work progresses and as the exact date traffic will be switched to the new pattern is determined.”

    Due to construction efforts, Naruna Road will be closed until Monday. TxDOT will be working to tie Naruna Road into U.S. 281 South. The Hancock Park Golf Course and Naruna Road will be accessible from Howe Street during this period.

    In addition, Business 281 will closed to through traffic, but residents may still access businesses along the roadway during daytime hours.

    “Work will be performed during overnight hours this week in these areas to minimize disruption to traffic,” Tipton said. “Businesses along Business 281 may be accessed from Key Avenue; however, the Sulphur Creek bridge is closed for at least the remainder of this week and is expected to be opened the week of July 28.”

    PROJECT BACKGROUND

    The goal of the U.S. 281 project from the Burnet County-Lampasas County line to the Central Texas Expressway intersection near W.M. Brook Park is to improve safety and mobility on the highway, which is a part of the Texas Trunk System.

    The project will widen the roadway to include two travel lanes in each direction, along with a center turn lane for easier access to businesses along U.S. 281.

    Additionally, TxDOT is looking to improve access to U.S. 281 by adding a right turn-only lane for those who turn onto the new U.S. 281 to head south toward Lampasas High School from Key Avenue.