Denton County, local officials and the Texas Department of Transportation gathered today to celebrate the commencement of roadway construction for Farm-to-Market 1171 from Shiloh Road to IH 35W to kick off work scheduled to begin March 2014.

County Commissioner Andy Eads, whose precinct covers the largest portion of the project said, “FM 1171 has been a project that I have worked on since taking office.  This roadway is more than a mobility improvement.  It is an improvement that will ensure that our citizens will have a roadway that is safe to use.”

The 7.3 mile project was awarded to Webber, LLC at a construction cost of $45,721,253.00 and is estimated to take approximately 33 months to complete.  Once completed, FM 1171 will be widened to a six-lane divided urban facility with a raised median and intersection improvements at all major intersections.

Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, who represents a portion of Flower Mound, said, “We have seen how successful FM 1171 Section One  has been for improving safety and mobility.  Sections 2 and 3 will expand on those benefits for our travelling public and the businesses that take up shop along its corridor.” 

Denton County Judge Mary Horn said, “This Commissioners Court has long been an advocate of planning for the future.  The way to attract businesses is to provide them with the needed infrastructure and low tax environment to thrive.  Expanding the tax base through commercial growth is an effective way to generate new revenues for our county which in turn helps hold down tax rates for homeowners.” 

Also in attendance for the kickoff celebration was State Representative Tan Parker of Flower Mound, Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden, Northlake Mayor Peter Dewin,g as well as other councilmembers and TxDOT officials. 

In his remarks during the ceremony, State Representative Tan Parker commented, “Transportation is a team sport and it took all of us working together to make this project a reality.  I applaud Denton County for their leadership in transportation.”