The Texas Department of Transportation is currently preparing to begin the reconstruction of FM 1171. The project will improve the existing FM 1171 roadway to a six-lane divided thoroughfare from FM 2499 to I-35W. The project is fully funded, a majority of the right-of-way has been acquired, and design is currently underway.

FM 1171 is to be reconstructed as a six-lane, divided, urban arterial. Section 1, from FM 2499 to Shiloh, is projected to take two years and is scheduled to be let November 2007. Section 2, from Shiloh to HWY 377, will follow the construction of Section 1. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will oversee this State project. When complete, the roadway will look similar to FM 3040 with a curb and gutter, wide medians, and underground drainage.

There are several design objectives for the reconstruction project including additional traffic capacity and safety improvements. Increased capacity will be provided through the addition of four new lanes while safety improvements will be addressed in several ways.

The new roadway will be constructed to current TxDOT standards including a more gentle vertical and horizontal curvature. The sharpest curves along the western-most portion of FM 1171 will also be rectified, providing improved sight distance for drivers.

Safety will also be improved through the construction of a raised center median, properly spaced driveways, median openings, and left-turn bays to provide enhanced access management and accommodate vehicles waiting to turn across traffic. In addition, right-turn auxiliary lanes will be constructed to provide an additional level of safety for vehicles slowing to turn right at intersections.