Buffalo Speedway Project Should be Completed by March

Construction on Buffalo Speedway is moving forward toward a final completion date in March.

Contractors have completed overhead utility burial, new water line and storm sewer installation and have paved all main lanes on the eastern half of the street.

Over the next week pavement crews will work on completing water connections and paving at Purdue, frame and begin pouring the eastern half of the Bissonnet intersection and possibly begin sidewalk work. Storm sewer crews will also be working overnight to make connections to both the existing and new storm sewer facilities.

The Upper Kirby District started the Buffalo Speedway Improvements Project last February. The $5.6 million project includes the addition of two traffic lanes, storm sewer system upgrades, moving overhead utilities underground and creating a new pedestrian friendly streetscape.

The improvements to Buffalo Speedway, when completed, are expected to improve traffic congestion.

The project includes a beautified streetscape that functions well for pedestrians and cars, Upper Kirby Deputy Director Travis Younkin said. The project is the same concept as Kirby Drive between Richmond and Westheimer.

Streetscape improvements include pedestrian lighting, enhanced sidewalks and crosswalks, benches and improved landscaping.

Buffalo Speedway will have trees spaced 25 feet up and down the street.

The project was expected to be complete by November, but because of delays, the project is several months behind, Younkin said.