RM 620 turnaround in Round Rock now open

RM 620 turnaround in Round Rock now open

By Community Impact Newspaper Staff Wednesday, 17 June 2009

The Texas Department of Transportation cut the ribbon June 17 on a new north to south turnaround bridge at IH 35 and RM 620 to help relieve the traffic congestion along the frontage road and intersection. The bridge and additional work along the access road is expected to ease traffic congestion approaching downtown Round Rock to the east and retail shopping centers on the west side of the interstate.

“This project will give drivers in Round Rock greater access to business and retail destinations and, at the same time, ease congestion at a major interchange over IH-35," said Robert Stuard, TxDOT Austin district deputy engineer.

During construction, TxDOT relocated the northbound exit ramp and southbound entrance ramp to IH 35 approximately 500 ft to the south to allow for the new turnaround structure. TxDOT also added additional lanes to the northbound access road so that cars exiting IH 35 can either enter the turnaround bridge to head south or turn left or right at RM 620.

The length of the project extends 1000 feet north of RM 620 to 300 feet north of McNeil road.

“RM 620 is a vital corridor because it takes you into downtown Round Rock to the east and to residential neighborhoods in the west," Stuard said.

TxDOT also upgraded the signal lights at the RM 620/IH 35 access road intersection and improved illumination along the roadway.

Construction on the project began in April 2008. The construction project took 14 months and cost $7,890,588.62.