FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, February 10, 2005

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will reduce the speed limit, within the project area along Texas 195, in Bell County, on Tuesday, February 15, 2005. The regulatory speed reduction will lower the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph, one mile beyond Farm-to-Market road 2484, south of Killeen, to one-mile south of the Bell/Williamson county line. The speed reduction is being instituted to more safely control traffic flow as a result of various traffic pattern transitions within the project area.

The 8.1-mile reconstruction project began in June 2003 and is adding two additional lanes, median and wider shoulders to the roadway and adding two new bridges to replace the existing structure across the Lampasas River. Phase I of the project which began in April 1999 and was completed in 2002, widened and added lanes from Killeen to just past FM 2484. Subsequent phases will extend the reconstruction project, along the entire length of Texas 195, to Interstate 35 in Williamson County.

Garey Construction Company of Austin is undertaking Phase II of the reconstruction project at a cost of $20.1 million. The current phase of the project is scheduled for completion in late 2006.

The speed limit reduction will remain in effect for the duration of the project. Fines for speeding violations will double when workers are present. Motorists are asked to watch for construction equipment and personnel entering and leaving the roadway within the construction areas. Drivers should also be prepared for temporary delays and minor traffic congestion for the duration of the project.

For more information, contact

Ali Bashi, P.E.
Belton Area Engineers Office
254-939-3778

or

Ken Roberts
Public Information Officer Waco District
254-867-2705