The City of Amarillo (COA) Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in collaboration with local first responders, is conducting joint hazardous materials (Hazmat) and law enforcement exercises this week with the 6th (TX) Civil Support Team. The exercises are designed to strengthen partnerships between local, state and federal agencies, enhancing collective ability to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials that may exceed local capabilities. Exercise activities will take place in Amarillo and surrounding communities through March 27 and are intentionally planned in areas away from high-population density to prioritize public safety. Residents may observe responder vehicle movement and operational activity within the city. For the safety of both the public and exercise participants, residents are asked to avoid areas marked with “Exercise in Progress” or “TRAINING” signage. Entering these areas could pose a risk due to ongoing training activities. These exercises have been fully coordinated with the OEM and local first responder agencies. For more information contact OEM Director Max Dunlap at (806) 378-9362 or email max.dunlap@amarillo.gov Also for more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has completed a recent inspection and engineering evaluation of the bridge over the BNSF Railroad at 34th Ave. and will be installing updated load-limit signage at the structure. The updated posting will establish a maximum gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds and a 7,000-pound axle or tandem axle limit. Installation of the new signage is expected by late March. Load postings are a standard safety measure used nationwide to help ensure bridges continue operating safely while long-term improvements are planned. The bridge is owned by the City of Amarillo and is inspected through TxDOT’s bridge inspection program. Based on the recent evaluation, TxDOT has also advanced plans to rehabilitate the structure through its Off-System Bridge Program, moving the anticipated project timeline from 2030 to 2027. Under this program, the state of Texas will oversee design, railroad coordination and construction. Additional project details will be shared as they become available.

March 23, 2026 – March 27, 2026 The City of Amarillo has scheduled street maintenance projects for this week that will impact traffic patterns. The projects: The temporary traffic adjustment for both projects is intended to safely route vehicles around the construction zone while minimizing public disruption. Motorists are encouraged to follow all posted signage and exercise caution when traveling through the area.

In response to community concerns, the City of Amarillo (COA) is implementing a flexible plan to address the overpopulation of prairie dogs at John Stiff Memorial Park (JSMP). The plan includes a partnership with the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC). In recent years, the prairie dog colony has grown to an unmanageable level, affecting nearby neighborhoods, park facilities, and other developed areas. In response, COA and WWWRC are working together to relocate prairie dogs to approved host sites. “We have heard the concerns of our community and are committed to protecting the park for everyone who uses it,” said COA Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba. “At the same time, we want to responsibly manage and preserve local wildlife.” COA is thankful to WWWRC for its partnership and support in making relocation the primary solution. This effort allows prairie dogs to be safely moved while helping maintain the safety and usability of the park. Relocation efforts will focus on keeping prairie dogs out of developed areas such as roads, facilities and nearby residential zones. After the prairie dogs are relocated, their burrows will be treated and filled with dirt to safely restore the area for public use. Burrowing owls will continue to be protected in accordance with applicable federal laws to ensure their conservation.