Project making major improvements to Upland Avenue

Lubbock -TxDOT is set to begin work on a project that will make major improvements to Upland Avenue, from 82nd Street to just south of 98th Street, in Lubbock. The $14.8 million, city of Lubbock project will completely rebuild the existing roadway from a two-lane roadway to a five-lane thoroughfare.

Construction work is scheduled to start next week, with contractor L.A. Fuller and Sons Construction, LTD, of Amarillo, setting traffic control and barriers along the project limits on Monday, July 6, said Joe Villalobos, P.E., TxDOT Lubbock Area engineer.

"This is a city of Lubbock project that includes local and federal funds. TxDOT is overseeing the contract and construction work," Villalobos said. "This area has steadily grown in the last few years making the street a major and vital connector road. The reconstruction and expansion of a busy road always present challenges, but our goal is to make sure we get the work done in the safest and most efficient way possible and keep traffic moving."

The project will rebuild Upland Avenue to include two lanes of traffic in each direction, a continuous left-turn lane, will make drainage improvements, install curb and gutters and sidewalks.

"Upland traffic will continue to be one-lane in each direction for the majority of time during construction. Motorists can expect a temporary detour, slow moving traffic, delays and are advised to seek alternative routes around the construction zone," Villalobos said.

The speed limits throughout the work zone will be reduced to 35 mph and motorists are urged to use caution when driving through the construction zone since crews will be working in close proximity to traffic and should keep the following tips in mind:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient. Delays from roadway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.

The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2028.