Road improvements, safety project planned for US 70/84

PARMER COUNTY - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is set to begin work on a project next week that will make roadway improvements to more than nine miles of US 70/84 in Parmer County. The $29.6 million project will resurface the road and add cable median barrier in both Parmer and Bailey counties.

The project will make road improvements from the eastern Farwell city limits to the Bailey County line. Cable median barrier will be installed between Farwell and Uvalde Street in Muleshoe, said Neil Welch, P.E., TxDOT Littlefield Area engineer.

Contractor A.L. Helmcamp, of Buffalo, Tx, is scheduled to begin placing traffic control next week and begin construction work on Monday, November 3.

"Project plans call for work to begin on the inside lanes of US 70/84. Work to install the cable median barrier will also begin at this time," Welch said. "This project will impact traffic-with traffic reduced to one-lane in each direction through the active work zone-but our goal is to make sure we get the work done in the safest and most efficient way possible."

Drivers should anticipate the speed limit to be reduced to 60 mph through the active work zone, are urged to use caution since crews will be working in close proximity to traffic, and should keep the following tips in mind:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits.
• Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient. Delays from roadway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
• The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2028.