A major change is coming for the approximate 20,000 vehicles each weekday that are driving Wellborn Road in Bryan through the intersections of F&B Road and Old College.
Modifications start Monday to making only one lane of through traffic on Wellborn and provide separate left turn and right turn lanes.
City of Bryan consultant Gary Schatz says that was the best option to reduce existing traffic issues.
The city is landlocked to the west by Union Pacific Railroad, which Schatz says will not sell right of way.
And the cost is prohibitive to buy right of way to the east, especially south of the intersections where there is existing commercial and office properties.
Another option was to add a fifth lane by narrowing all lane widths to 10 feet. Schatz said that was not done due to the probability of increased accidents given the speed limit in the area.
Modifications are supposed to be completed before the fall semester move-in of Texas A&M students.
Click below for comments from Gary Schatz, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.
Additional information from the city of Bryan:
To help reduce congestion and improve safety, contractors will begin the first phase in reconfiguring the north and southbound lanes of Wellborn Road at the intersections of Old College Road and F&B Road on Monday, July 24, 2017. The project includes a new asphalt roadway surface, new striping and signage, and new traffic signals, easing congestion during normal traffic flow and during train crossings. The construction area spans from just north of Z-Islander Apartments to just south of Clay Street. Alternate lane closures will occur daily from 8 AM until 5 PM and are anticipated to continue for approximately three weeks, weather permitting.
• WHAT: Alternate Lane Closures
• WHERE: Northbound and southbound lanes of Wellborn Road from Z-Islander to Clay Street
• WHEN: July 24th through August 14th, 8 AM to 5 PM, Daily
The second phase of the project includes restriping the lanes and installing new traffic signals. To accommodate this construction, the southbound lanes of Wellborn Road will be closed between the entrance to Reveille Ranch and Clay Street. One lane headed northbound will remain open. It is anticipated this closure will take place August 7th through August 9th to allow for weather delays and still complete the project in advance of college student move-in.
Please prepare to see significant changes to the layout of traffic lanes along Wellborn Road on or before August 14th. As drivers approach the F&B Road and Old College Road intersections from both the north and south, there will be new designated lanes for through, left turn, and right turn traffic at each intersection.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow the posted detour signage, utilize alternate routes, and allow extra travel time during the construction period. In addition, drivers are asked to please use caution and pay special attention when traveling through the construction area.
