Starting Thursday morning, Oct. 15, motorists noticed a change in the way they drive through the I-35 and RM 1431/University Boulevard intersection in Round Rock as the Texas Department of Transportation begins work on the next phase of the diverging diamond intersection project.

Drivers on the I-35 frontage roads will no longer be allowed to drive straight through the traffic signal at RM 1431/University Boulevard. They will have to turn left or right at the intersection or use the collector-distributor lane, or frontage road bypass lane, to continue north and south.

The northbound bypass lane has been in operation for years, while the southbound bypass lane opened several weeks ago. This change allows construction to continue on the project to help move traffic through the busy intersection.

This phase of construction will last four to six weeks, before additional changes are scheduled. When completed, the diverging diamond intersection will help increase safety and reduce traffic delays.

Motorists should allow extra time to travel through this area during the affected hours. TxDOT asks the traveling public to be patient and remain aware when traveling through the work zone.

Road conditions and traffic updates available on Facebook.com/TxDOT and Twitter.com/TxDOTAustin.