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State Highway 19 North in Birthright is currently under construction.
Turn lanes part of larger safety initiative
Residents of Birthright may be asking themselves when construction on State Highway 19 north will finish. Engineers estimate the project could conclude as soon as mid-July if the weather permits, according to TxDOT Paris District public information officer Tim McAlavy.
Improvements to the intersection of 19N and Farm Road 71 began in September 2018 when TxDOT placed four-way stop signs, McAlavy said.
Recent construction, to add left hand turn lanes, began April 1, according to a release. The release also stated the purpose of adding the turn lanes was to increase the safety for the public traveling along that portion of the roadway.
The project is valued at more than $837,000, McAlavy said.
“Crews will begin placing hot-mix asphalt in the widened sections of this portion of SH 19 [approximately June 17-June 21],” McAlavy said.
“Final surfacing of the roadway is anticipated to start around mid-July, and completion of the project is expected by the end of July,” McAlavy stated.
As of June 18, News-Telegram staff found that no asphalt mixing had taken place and that culvert placement was still underway.