Over Labor Day weekend, construction wrapped up on FM 407 between Chinn Chapel Road and Briarhill Blvd.

Construction on FM 407 began three years ago on Sept. 11, 2010 after Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) was given notice to proceed, according to Highland Village Deputy Director of Public Works, Scott Kriston. TXDOT’s contract end date was initially July 2013. However, due to weather delays, it was extended to Aug. 29, 2013.

The population increase in the area put strain on the previously two-lane road, causing traffic backups and accidents. The purpose of the construction was to upgrade the road to a four-lanes. FM 407 also runs in front of Heritage Elementary School, which caused severe back ups and traffic issues.

Senior Alexis Will drives her young siblings to Heritage in the mornings and deals with the traffic daily.

“It was really rough,” Will said. “A lot of the times we ended up late because of the construction. It caused a lot of back up and congestion.”

With the construction over now, the early morning drop-offs and the mid-afternoon pick-ups are less congested.

“It’s very nice with that easy flow now with the two-lane highway,” Will said. “They added in a new turn lane so it’s much better. It’s a good fix to the problem.”

Senior Lauren Deason is happy to see the orange cones cleared away.

“The construction was kind of ridiculous with how long it went on,” she said. “It’s nice not having to worry about the speed limit being under what it’s supposed to be and worrying about traffic cones.”