Traffic on Buffalo Speedway has been reduced down to one lane in either direction as construction crews work to add additional lanes to the stretch of street between US-59 and Bissonnet.
Medians on Buffalo Speedway, along with trees and other vegetation, were removed last week.
The Upper Kirby District started the Buffalo Speedway Improvements Project on Feb. 10. The 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 are expected to improve traffic congestion
Construction crews will this week be working to remove existing street lights so that excavation of the roadway for underground utility facilities can be constructed. The underground facilities will eventually house all electric and telecommunications lines currently running on overhead poles.
Once underway, crews will begin demolition at Bissonnet and work their way north to the 59 frontage road.
The first phase of the project is expected to take 90 days and includes utility work on the east side of the road. Once that is complete, utility companies will come in and move everything underground and the east side of the street will be repaved, Upper Kirby Deputy Director Travis Younkin said.
Work will then switch over to the west side, which is expected to be completed much quicker.
The project also includes a beautified streetscape that functions well for pedestrians and cars, 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.
Construction crews removed pear, holly and crape myrtle trees from the medians on Buffalo Speedway last week. The trees were removed and mulched, Younkin said.
The project, which costs $5.6 million, is expected to be completed in November.
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