Flower Mound officials have worked with TxDOT over the past several years to address safety concerns in relation to FM 1171 and implement interim improvements that will address those issues prior to and during construction of the new road.

The most significant improvements included intersection improvements, separate bays for turning vehicles, and short lanes to maneuver around waiting vehicles. These improvements are the most effective interim measures that could be implemented as most accidents occur at or near intersections.

Members of the Town Council and staff have met with residents on two occasions to discuss interim safety improvements for FM 1171. The most recent meeting was held on April 30, 2006 at the Central Fire Station. Many safety measures were discussed during the meetings, a number of which have been implemented and others which are being considered.

In the interim, while FM 1171 is under construction, TxDOT and the Town will continue to investigate additional improvements. A listing of suggested improvements and their current status are as follows:

Increased Traffic Enforcement / Speed Trailers Completed
    The Flower Mound Police Department increased enforcement and placed radar trailers on FM 1171. Radar trailers will be placed on FM 1171 every other week on an ongoing basis.
Speed Studies Completed
    Speed studies have been completed on FM 1171. The results of these studies do not meet the warrants for TxDOT to lower the speed limit.
Signal Studies Completed
    Traffic signal warrants have been performed at the intersections of Flower Mound Road/Lusk Lane, High Road, Red Rock, and Tour 18/Lighthouse Drive. Results indicated signals are warranted at Flower Mound Road and High Road. The studies have been sent to TxDOT.

Staff recently received authorization from TxDOT to install traffic signals at the intersections of FM 1171 at High Road and Flower Mound Road. TxDOT has offered to include the signals with the FM 1171 project, but this option would delay the installation of the signals. The current plan is to design and install temporary traffic signals at these locations as soon as possible with Town funds. A temporary design includes wood poles with the signals hanging on span wires, which allows for adjustment of the signal heads when FM 1171 goes under construction. Permanent signals will be installed as part of the FM 1171 project.
DPS Enforcement of Truck Weight Limits Requested
    The Town has requested that the Constables / State law enforcement agencies enforce weight limits along FM 1171.
Guardrails/Reflective Markers Requested
    The Town has requested permission from TxDOT to install guardrails/reflective markers along FM 1171 and is waiting on approval.
Build-Up of Shoulders Requested
    The Town has requested permission from TxDOT to increase the shoulders along FM 1171 and is waiting on approval.
Placement of Warning Signs/Flashing Lights Completed
    The Town will be installing warning signs with flashing beacons approaching the Tour 18 intersection in early September.
Improve Signage and Traffic Markings Completed
    The Town in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation has installed curve warning devices (chevrons) along the edge of each curve to provide additional warning to motorists. The installation was completed on June 21, 2006. (see pictures below)
Increased Communications Completed
    The Town has created this online information to provide FM 1171 updates and will also include information in the Inside Flower Mound Newsletter, E-Town News bulletins, Flower Mound Today page, and on FMTV.

The Town has also been requested to limit truck traffic along FM 1171. However, in accordance with Federal interstate commerce regulations, the Town cannot prohibit trucks from traveling along this State roadway.

In addition to the aforementioned measures, the Town is exploring the feasibility with TxDOT of combining the two phases of this project. Phase One will extend from FM 2499 to Shiloh Road and Phase Two will extend from Shiloh Road to US 377. Combining the two phases would expedite the project and minimize the impact of construction on our community.