A long-delayed bridge replacement project on Amarillo Boulevard is facing additional setbacks after a recent theft of construction materials, further frustrating local residents. The BNSF Railroad bridge project, initially slated for completion in December 2023, now has a new expected completion date of late spring or early summer of 2025, according to Jason Britsch, Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
At a recent meeting of the North Heights Advisory Association (NHAA) held at the Black Historical Cultural Center, Britsch addressed the ongoing challenges facing the project, including delays that have been compounded by a theft of critical materials. Originally planned in 2021, the project hit its first significant delay when TxDOT terminated the original contractor for failing to meet project milestones.
“Work on the project began in May 2021, but the original contractor was not meeting the expected deadlines, and after a couple of years, it became clear they couldn’t complete the job as agreed,” Britsch explained. “We had no choice but to put them in default, and the process of finding a new contractor set us back months.”
After securing a new contractor, Coppell Construction, in early 2023, TxDOT hoped for a fresh start. However, just as construction was set to begin in late August, the project suffered another blow when thieves targeted Coppell’s materials yard near the job site. The culprits made off with several tons of reinforcing steel bars, which are essential for constructing the bridge’s columns, gaps, and deck.
Joseph Ross, a project manager with Coppell Construction, shared the details of the theft. "They cut the lock, drove in with a trailer, and loaded up the rebar. The material they took is coated with epoxy for added strength, and it takes months to manufacture," Ross said. "This is the first time I've seen something like this, and it was clearly a more experienced crew."
Although the theft was captured on camera, the thieves managed to evade identification. Ross said they are working with both TxDOT and the Amarillo Police Department to resolve the matter, though no official theft report has been filed with the police yet. In response to the incident, Coppell has enhanced security at the site, including adding overnight lighting and a local resident to monitor the area.
New Delays Push Completion to 2025
As a result of the theft, Coppell Construction has been unable to proceed with the project until replacement materials arrive, which are expected in November or early December. In the meantime, the construction company has begun some preparatory work, such as shoring and dirt work, using a minimal crew.
Britsch reassured attendees that while the theft has delayed progress, TxDOT is committed to ensuring the project’s completion. “The new expected completion date is now late spring or early summer of 2025,” he said. “This is a significant delay from the original deadline, but we are doing everything we can to make up for lost time.”
The community's frustration with the prolonged timeline is palpable. Melodie Graves, president of the Amarillo NAACP, voiced concerns about the lack of answers from TxDOT. “Why did it take from 2021 to 2023 to acknowledge that this project wasn’t progressing as planned?” Graves asked. “Was there any oversight? It feels like there wasn’t proper accountability early on.”
Residents also raised concerns about insufficient communication from TxDOT regarding the construction timeline and signage. Many felt that they were left in the dark about the project’s progress and its impact on their daily lives. One major issue cited was the lack of lighting in the area, making it unsafe for drivers and pedestrians.
Graves pointed out that the area around the construction site is particularly dark at night, saying, “It’s not just the construction site that’s dark—there are entire stretches of the street that are poorly lit.”
TxDOT’s Efforts to Improve Communication
In response, Britsch assured the community that TxDOT will make efforts to improve communication. He emphasized that more regular community meetings will be scheduled to keep residents informed and address their concerns directly. "We want to make sure that North Heights residents feel heard and that we’re being transparent about where things stand with the project," he said.
Though the meeting offered little immediate relief for residents, Graves acknowledged that the willingness of TxDOT representatives to meet with the community was a step in the right direction. “It’s good that they came out and listened to our concerns,” she said. “But the reality is, when projects like this happen in other parts of the city, they get done much faster.”
Looking Ahead: Completion Timeline and Next Steps
Coppell Construction plans to resume major work once replacement materials are received. Ross outlined the remaining steps in the project, which include completing the substructure, installing deck beams and panels, and pouring the bridge deck. Once those tasks are finished, the final phase will involve removing old infrastructure, installing guardrails, and tying the new bridge into the existing asphalt.
“Once the materials are here, we’re looking at another four to six months of work to complete the project,” Ross said. “We’re eager to finish the job and deliver a bridge that will last a long time and meet the community’s needs.”
While the road ahead remains challenging, TxDOT and Coppell Construction are hopeful that the new timeline will allow the project to move forward smoothly. As Britsch concluded, “We understand the frustrations, and we appreciate the community’s patience. Our goal is to finish this project as soon as possible, and we’re committed to doing just that.”
