News

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.

Amarillo City Transit (ACT) will launch a new mobile application on March 30 to help ACT-Connect paratransit riders more easily schedule and manage trips. The Spare mobile app will provide eligible riders with a convenient way to schedule rides, view upcoming trips, receive real-time updates and manage or cancel trips directly from their smartphone. ACT-Connect is ACT’s paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route bus service. The new app is designed to improve accessibility, convenience and overall rider experience. “To better serve our riders, we are always looking for ways to make our services easier to use and more accessible,” said ACT Director Chris Quigley. “The Spare app gives ACT-Connect riders more flexibility and real-time information when managing their trips.” To support riders during the transition, ACT will host in-person training sessions. Staff will demonstrate how to use the app and answer questions. The training sessions areMarch 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All sessions will be at the Multimodal Transfer Station, 509, S. Bowie St. ACT-Connect riders may schedule complimentary rides to attend the sessions by calling 806-378-3095. Riders who prefer to schedule trips by phone may continue to do so. The Spare app is being introduced as an additional option to make trip management more convenient. For more information about ACT-Connect services and the Spare app, visit: www.amarillo.gov/amarillo-city-transit/act-connect 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.

Traffic patterns on S.W. 45th Ave will temporarily change beginning Wednesday (March 18) as part of a street maintenance project. The westbound lanes of S.W. 45th Ave will be closed between S. Georgia Street to the I-27 Highway. All traffic will be shifted to the south in two-lane traffic. The temporary closure will allow for the milling of the existing surface and the placement of a new roadway surface of asphalt. The temporary traffic adjustment 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. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov