Canyon enters funding agreement with TxDOT for 15th Street pedestrian project

The City of Canyon has formalized a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to advance its planned 15th Street pedestrian improvement project—an initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity and safety between residential areas and downtown Canyon.

The project stems from the 2022 Canyon Downtown Master Plan, developed by the Canyon Downtown Master Plan Committee in partnership with city staff and outside professionals. That plan outlined a series of long-term strategies to revitalize the downtown area, including improvements to pedestrian infrastructure.

At its most recent commissioners meeting, the city announced that it had applied for—and secured—funding through the Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization for the first phase of the 15th Street project. The improvements will focus specifically on creating safer, more accessible pathways for people walking or biking into the downtown district.

TxDOT confirmed its participation through an advanced funding agreement with the city. The agency emphasized that safety is the driving force behind this and similar infrastructure investments.

“Safety is always TxDOT’s number one goal whenever it comes to these projects, especially with pedestrian infrastructure projects that you’re seeing pop up all across the Amarillo district and statewide,” said Jason Britsch, public information officer for TxDOT’s Amarillo District.

The total project is expected to cost nearly $3 million, supported by more than $2 million in federal funding and a local match exceeding $500,000. City officials say the investment will help accommodate not just current pedestrian needs but future growth in the area.

“We really want to increase the safety for residents that are going to be walking or biking or driving or doing anything, all forms of transportation deserve the right to be as safe as possible,” Britsch said.

Construction on the 15th Street improvements is scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a significant step forward in Canyon’s broader downtown development strategy.