The Amarillo City Council received a detailed update on the city’s street conditions and infrastructure priorities during its Tuesday meeting. Assistant City Manager and Public Infrastructure Director Donny Hooper presented a comprehensive plan for street maintenance, improvement, and funding strategies.
Current State of Amarillo’s Streets
Hooper shared that the city’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score stands at 74.5 out of 100, based on data from two years ago. He noted that while this score is “pretty good,” the city would benefit from more current assessments.
According to Hooper, the condition of Amarillo’s arterial roads is largely in the “fair” or better category, with only one mile of arterial road falling into the “very poor” range. Arterial roads are the major thoroughfares that connect different parts of the city and experience the highest traffic volumes.
Five Key Priorities for Street Improvements
Hooper outlined five major priorities for the Streets Department moving forward:
Utilizing Remaining Prop 1 Funds – The city still has $35.5 million left from the nearly $90 million in Proposition 1 funding. With an IRS deadline requiring 80% of the funds ($30.1 million) to be spent by February 2026, the city has set an internal goal to reach this mark by October 2024. The full amount must be spent by July 2026, and Hooper expressed confidence in meeting these deadlines.
Updating Street Assessment Methods – Instead of the current three-year cycle, the city will now assess arterial streets annually. Residential streets will be assessed every four years through visual inspections. Hooper explained that winter is the best time for assessments because cold weather causes cracks in the pavement to open, making them easier to detect. The new plan will cost $150,000 per year compared to the current $450,000 spent every three years.
Creating a Sustainable Funding Model – Hooper stated that discussions about an ongoing, revolving funding method for maintenance projects would be part of the city’s upcoming budget meetings.
Establishing Annual Funding Recommendations for Reconstruction – The city aims to present a formalized annual funding plan for long-term street reconstruction projects, ensuring continued investment in infrastructure improvements.
Developing an In-House Mill and Fill Operation – Mill and fill, also known as mill and overlay, is a road repair method that removes and replaces the top layer of asphalt. By bringing this process in-house, the city could potentially improve efficiency and reduce costs over time.
Residential Street Concerns and Council Discussion
During the meeting, Councilmember Don Tipps questioned when residential streets would be assessed, given the new focus on arterial roads. Hooper suggested a four-year evaluation cycle for residential streets, with city staff manually identifying problem areas by driving through neighborhoods.
Major Georgia Street Reconstruction Project Approved
The City Council also approved a $27.4 million contract with L.A. Fuller & Sons Construction, Ltd. for the reconstruction of Georgia Street between Hollywood Road and Burk Lane. The project, expected to take three and a half years, will expand the road from two lanes to five.
The funding for this project comes from multiple sources, including Prop 1 funds, city street and drainage funding, and an Economic Development Authority grant. Approximately $87,000 of the total will be allocated for new streetlights along the expanded roadway.
What’s Next?
Following feedback from the council, Hooper plans to return to the next meeting with Chief Financial Officer and Assistant City Manager Laura Storrs to discuss financial details related to the proposed funding model. With a focus on improving street assessments, securing long-term funding, and efficiently using Prop 1 dollars, the city aims to enhance Amarillo’s roadways for the long term.
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