TxDOT Keeps New Highway Closed Until Street Lights Work

FLORENCE, Texas (AP) _ Transportation officials have delayed the opening of a 7.6-mile stretch of a Central Texas highway after thieves stole copper wiring from its street lights.

A Texas Department of Transportation spokeswoman tells the Austin American-Statesman (http://bit.ly/1v6ZJeB ) that Texas 195 is ready to drive on but officials won’t to open the highway without lights. The stretch bypasses the city of Florence in Williamson County.

The highway was slated to open this week but has been delayed until October.

The spokeswoman says the theft occurred earlier this month. It’s unclear how much wire was stolen. The contractor is expected to pay for the additional costs.

She says the wiring was not electrified at the time and that the department has made changes to prevent similar thefts.

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