Amarillo drivers can expect smoother commutes in the near future as the Amarillo City Council on Tuesday approved a nearly $7 million construction contract to repair and resurface more than seven miles of city streets.
The project, known as a “mill and overlay,” will remove the worn top layer of asphalt from selected roadways and replace it with a fresh layer, extending the life of the pavement and improving driving conditions. This type of work addresses common problems such as cracks, potholes, rutting, and overall deterioration caused by traffic and weather.
City officials selected the streets for resurfacing based on a recent pavement condition study, which ranked road segments according to their current condition and predicted performance. By targeting these priority areas, the city expects to maximize long-term benefits and reduce maintenance costs in the years ahead.
“We are definitely in favor of continued street improvements, and we are constantly, counsel and staff, in agreement that we want to continue to push those monies into the streets so that we continue to beef up that infrastructure that’s aged and try to catch up to that index that we’re looking for,” said Mayor Cole Stanley.
The work will be funded through street bonds identified in the 2024–2025 annual budget. These bonds provide a dedicated source of funding for infrastructure improvements, allowing the city to make significant upgrades without diverting resources from other essential services.
While the project will benefit drivers and residents in the long term, city officials acknowledge there will be short-term disruptions. Milling and overlay operations often require temporary lane closures, restricted access to driveways, and rerouting of traffic. Businesses and property owners along the affected streets will be contacted directly to coordinate schedules and minimize inconveniences.
The city plans to keep the public informed at every stage of the project. Staff will provide updates through press releases, announcements, public meetings, and online channels so residents know when and where work will take place. This transparency is intended to help drivers plan alternate routes and reduce frustration during construction.
Street maintenance has become a recent priority for Amarillo’s leadership, especially given the city’s aging infrastructure. Roads that were built decades ago are now reaching the end of their service life, and the cost of deferred maintenance increases over time. By tackling resurfacing now, officials hope to avoid more expensive reconstruction projects in the future.
For drivers, the benefits will be immediate once the work is completed—fewer bumps, smoother rides, and less vehicle wear and tear. For the city, the investment should help extend the life of its road network and improve overall safety.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, though specific timelines for each street will be announced closer to the start date. In the meantime, residents can expect to hear more details about which neighborhoods will be impacted first and how traffic patterns will be adjusted during the project.
0 Comments