New turn lanes are open on North Murphy Road to help motorists enter Murphy Marketplace on the northeast corner of the FM 544 intersection and the Walmart Superstore on the northwest corner.

The hooded lanes provide a small, curbed island shaped in the form of a curved angle, giving motorists a clear and unrestricted way to turn left across oncoming lanes of traffic.

They are also designed to prevent head-on collisions, as the concrete hoods provide a tire stop that eliminates contact between cars turning left from opposing directions.

Southbound motorists are now protected as they turn left into the center containing Country Burger, Lowe’s Home Improvement and other stores. Northbound motorists have an easier time turning left into the Walmart Supercenter.

Drivers exiting the Walmart parking lot onto North Murphy Road will only be able to turn right into the southbound lanes.

 “The added protection of hooded turns, in both northerly and southerly directions, gives motorists a bit more confidence that they will enter the commercial driveways safely and securely,” said Director of Public Services Tim Rogers.

Construction began January 30, and it took about three months for Greeniverse Construction to complete the project.

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