TxDOT and Abilene city staff update board on projects; MPO boundary expansion and planning agreement remain pending

TxDOT and City of Abilene staff provided a broad update on ongoing and upcoming projects during the Abilene MPO Transportation Policy Board meeting on April 24, covering current construction, planned lettings and city-led design activity.

Bryce, a TxDOT district representative, reviewed current construction: a multi-location overlay project is complete except for corrective work on FM 2833; another project has started with drill shafts and will install dynamic message signs and cameras; a barrier project from Lydell Creek to the Waldrop Interchange on Loop 322 is in final cleanup; work on FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Road) awaits favorable weather for sod and final striping; and the rail corridor project is nearing completion at one TMP crossing. Bryce noted a recent pedestrian fatality on the rail corridor shortly before the meeting, underscoring the importance of pedestrian improvements included in that project.

Bryce also outlined upcoming closures and schedules: a Great Street crossing closure was planned to begin April 28, and work at the Leggett intersection will continue with final paving and signal coordination pending. Major projects letting or recently let include the FM 3034 (Landfill Road) project and other corridor projects programmed through the year.

City of Abilene staff (Richard and others) summarized city construction and design work: Maple (Carriage Hills to Loop 322) is in final stages pending a TDLR inspection; South Fourteenth walkability project is complete and will be closed out; several signal and reconstruction projects (including Polaris and Great Lakes/Kinsolving reconstructions) are moving through design and bid stages with anticipated city council consideration in early May for two DCOA projects. City staff said one design project (S Ten B) waits on utility coordination; another (Old Anson walkability) is at 30% design and requires six easements (five obtained so far).

CityLink transit updates: Alisa reported that employee restroom repairs are nearly complete (two of three restrooms finished) and that the micro-transit strategic study is underway, with CityLink receiving the first of five technical memos.

Finance and operations: MPO staff reviewed fiscal-year 2025 billings and said a work order received in April brought the MPO up to its full allocation for the year but that an outstanding carryover of $31,438.649 remains pending; staff said TxDOT is finalizing carryover calculations across MPOs, which delays receipt. Staff also summarized operations work including outreach, mapping and assistance to transit providers seeking competitive federal grants.

Director’s items: staff reported the MPO planning-area boundary expansion remains in the governor’s office for legal review and approval; Callahan County was included in the draft boundary. An updated TxDOT–MPO planning agreement circulated March 7 is under legal review and must be signed via DocuSign by Aug. 15 to meet the new five-year effective period. Staff said some MPOs have raised concerns about language in the revised agreement and reviews are ongoing.

No formal votes were required on the project updates or the director’s report. Board members offered procedural comments, thanked departing staff and welcomed the incoming TxDOT district director.

Provenance: project updates and director’s report are recorded in meeting transcript entries and the MPO packet.