Abilene’s current & future pedestrian improvement projects progress

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – At the April meeting of the Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the board was given a rundown of current and future city street construction projects and a brief report on the status of the progress made on each project.

On South 14th Street between Barrow Street and Pioneer Drive, crews are working to install a sidewalk along the westbound lane. That project is now 22% complete and fully funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Abilene City Council to discuss putting in sidewalks on S. 14th, Old Anson Road

Abilene Director of Public Works Max Johnson said the city always looks to improve safety and the overall pedestrian experience when planning its streets.

“So pedestrian walkability is always something that we look at as we’re doing projects, especially around the intersections,” Johnson said.

Section of Downtown Abilene roadway closes for Cypress Street Improvement Project: Phase 1

Just south of town, Maple Street is in the first phase of a three-part project that will see a 10-foot multi-use path constructed that will ease travel for both pedestrians and bicycle riders. The first phase is now 55% complete. During the next two phases, the project will extend north from Colony Hill Road and Loop 322 to East South 11th Street. A 2021 bond funds this project.

Johnson also stated that the city is in the process of securing another grant from TxDOT to construct a sidewalk along Old Anson Road, beginning at the I-20 access road and heading south to Ambler Avenue. That project was discussed alongside the South 14th project in 2021. Both were planned to be funded by a TxDOT grant.

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