If you drive down Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene regularly, you may want to start planning a different route. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) announced that construction on the busy road will start in January of 2022.

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When will construction start and how long will it last?

According to the City of Abilene's official Facebook page, the construction on Buffalo Gap Road, which is also FM 89, will begin on January 3rd and is set to end sometime in 2024.

The Texas Department of Transportation, in conjunction with Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the city of Abilene has identified FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Road) as a top priority for improvements to traffic safety, access management, and pedestrian/bicycle usage. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=283520883814412&amp;set=a.229094392590395" target="_blank">City of Abilene</a>)

What are the planned improvements?

The project will include the stretch of Buffalo Gap Road from Danville Drive to Chimney Rock Road for a total of about 1.27 miles. They will widen the roadway between the Winters Freeway and Rebecca Lane and will add sidewalks They will also add a raised center median to improve the safety of turning vehicles. In addition, the five-lane section between Country-side Drive and Bettes Lane will have a continuous left-turn lane as well as sidewalks added.

Photo by City of Abilene Facebook page
Photo by City of Abilene Facebook page
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Buffalo Gap Road is one of the busiest roads in Abilene. With Wylie growing as fast as it has, not to mention all the businesses that line it, traffic has given Abilene drivers a bit of a headache. The project hopes to alleviate that, but it will come at a cost. Not only will it cost around 23 million dollars, but Abilene drivers will have to deal with the construction for at least 2 years.

Many residents are for the improvements, while some are not so thrilled about it.

City of Abilene Facebook
City of Abilene Facebook
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You can call TxDot at 325-690-9821 for your questions or concerns.

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