East Debbie Lane is a two-lane road that can be frustrating at times for many drivers in Mansfield, but a multimillion dollar widening project now underway is aiming to fix that.
As general manager at BFF Grill & Sports Bar in Mansfield, Trevor Dawson does a lot of driving along East Debbie Lane.
"It literally backs up from the light [at Matlock] all the way to us," said Dawson. "So it takes about five minutes, 10 minutes to get through the light sometimes."
With new housing developments and stores popping in that same area, traffic is only expected to increase. That's the why the city of Mansfield felt that now was the time to do something about it.
This week, crews will begin widening the road to four lanes between Matlock Road and Mansfield's eastern border.
It's the final stretch of Debbie Lane that has not already been widened.
The $3.7 million project is expected to take a year to complete.
"Getting this section completed is an important milestone," said Belinda Willis, spokesperson for the city of Mansfield.
During construction, the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the entire work zone. And at times, traffic will diverted onto different lanes.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"Alternate routes would probably be a good idea," said Willis. "I know for some people that won't be possible. We just ask you to be patient."
Dawson said the end result will be worth it for his business and the city, so patient is exactly what he'll be.
"It's going to help a lot," said Dawson. "I can't wait."
The project is being paid for with bond money and a grant from Tarrant County.
