Midland County officials broke ground on a major roadway upgrade this week, launching a $2.9 million project to widen South County Road 1232—locally known as Antelope Trail—from two lanes to three. The work, funded by the county’s transportation budget, will be carried out in three phases and is slated for completion by March 2027.
Project details and traffic impacts
The centerpiece of the improvement is a new center turn lane designed to smooth traffic flow and enhance safety for drivers traveling between the county’s western and eastern communities. During the first phase, the existing two‑lane configuration will remain open to two‑way traffic, allowing residents to continue using the route while construction proceeds.
To accommodate the work zone, West County Road 120 is temporarily closed at its intersection with South County Road 1232. Motorists are being directed to detour via West County Road 130, which provides an alternate north‑south corridor. Signage and temporary traffic controls have been installed to guide drivers safely through the area.
Phased construction schedule
The three‑phase schedule is structured to minimize disruption. Phase 1 focuses on establishing the temporary detour and beginning excavation for the center turn lane. Phase 2 will see the addition of the third travel lane and the installation of new pavement markings. The final phase will involve finishing work, including striping, signage updates, and a thorough safety inspection before the road is fully opened to three‑lane traffic.
County engineers anticipate that the widened Antelope Trail will reduce congestion during peak travel times and provide a safer turning environment for local residents, farm vehicles, and commercial trucks that rely on the corridor for daily operations.
Community guidance
Officials are urging drivers to exercise caution in the work zone, obey posted detour signs, and allow extra travel time while the project is underway. The county’s public works department will provide regular updates on progress and any additional traffic adjustments through its website and local news outlets.
“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is essential for the safety and prosperity of Midland County families,” said County Commissioner Jane Doe, who helped secure the funding for the project. “This improvement will make daily commutes smoother and support the economic activity that keeps our community thriving.”
The Antelope Trail widening is part of a broader county initiative to modernize key roadways, improve safety, and support the region’s growing population and business needs. Future projects under the same program include bridge repairs on County Road 115 and resurfacing of the north‑south arterial on County Road 140.
What’s next
Construction crews will continue work through the winter months, with a target completion date of March 2027. Residents can monitor the project’s status, view construction maps, and report any concerns to the Midland County Public Works Department at (432) 555‑1234 or via the county’s online portal.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
