AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — It’s a project that’s been in construction since 2021, focused on the bridge that passes over BNSF railroad tracks on Amarillo Boulevard. North Amarillo residents say it’s a process that’s taken way too long.
“We shouldn’t still be talking about this in 2024,” said James Allen, a community member who’s long-awaited completion of the project. “This bridge should have been completed a couple of years ago.”
“This project has been stalled so long, but TxDOT (Amarillo District) has been the primary group that has not done their job, and we, the citizens, are the ones that have suffered,” Allen said.
Keith Grays, a North Heights resident, echoed the same sentiment.
Chef Ron shows off a great Braised Beef Shanks recipe
“They have to also understand we also are concerned about traffic safety and public safety,” said Grays, who said he’s spoken with TxDOT Amarillo representatives on the issue. “The response time for emergency vehicles traveling east and west here on the boulevard, it gets thwarted in its response times.”
This all started back in the first quarter of 2021 when the previous contractor, Integrity Services, LLC out of Midland, started construction on the bridge. They made some progress on the bridge, and constructed some parts of it. However, in July of this year, TxDOT defaulted the contractor for lack of progress on the project.
“One of the last things that TxDOT wants to do with the contractor on a project, is to put them on default,” said Jason Britsch, Public Information Officer for TxDOT Amarillo. “Because of the amount of time and effort it takes to find a new contractor and to get them on board for the project.”