Why are there poles in the middle of a road near FM 973?

TxDOT is currently widening a portion of FM 973 and confirmed to KXAN that the state agency is coordinating with Austin Energy to move a multitude of utility poles. (KXAN Photo/Tim Holcomb)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — No, your eyes aren't deceiving you: Drivers traveling on FM 973 in Travis County have likely noticed the unusual sight of utility poles in the middle of a nearby road. A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson said it's part of an ongoing widening project.

TxDOT is currently widening a portion of FM 973 and confirmed to KXAN that the state agency is coordinating with Austin Energy to move a multitude of utility poles. For now, these poles are housed in the middle of new lanes being paved.

The poles are located outside of existing lanes, the TxDOT spokesperson said. Once the FM 973 paving is completed, the spokesperson added, the area currently housing the utility poles will be open to traffic, without the poles in the middle of the road.

“[Drivers] “We see an area that is paved but not yet open to traffic,” added the spokesperson.

TxDOT's project tracking database indicates two sections of separation construction are underway on FM 973, both north of the State Highway 71 Toll Road.

The first portion, near Elara Drive, is described as an overlay project and received notice to proceed with construction in March. This work is expected to be completed in March 2025.

The second zone, north of Thyone Drive, is a safety improvement project that began construction last October and is expected to be completed in January 2026.