Unique solution planned for Cedar Park traffic congestion

  • 2014-04-20
The Texas Department of Transportation is working on an unusual solution to Cedar Park’s busy roads, called ‘continuous flow’, and expects to begin work on it in a couple of months.

The area in question, in the vicinity of the new Costco store on 1431, is abuzz with construction. Several establishments, including BJ's Brewhouse, Chipotle, Zoe's Kitchen, and In-N-Out Burger, are going to be in close proximity to the newly renovated Garden Ridge Pottery and only a couple of miles from where the city's second Super Walmart is currently being built.

The ‘continuous flow’ plan is designed to help not only the current and soon-to-be traffic situation, but also traffic flow further in the future. Under this plan, drivers who need to turn left will do so around 300 to 400 feet before coming to the intersection. By eliminating the need to wait for until they receive a green arrow, congestion will be averted. A benefit of this solution is that it does not involve elevating any roads, and will therefore be less expensive than a more conventional choice.

One challenge for Cedar Park and the Texas Department of Transportation may be educating the public on how to navigate the new system. Brochure printers could be beneficial in this regard.

Construction is expected to begin in June, assuming all the permits currently pending go through. Additionally, there is a plan to expand 1431 to six lanes.