KILLEEN, Texas (KXXV) — Killeen residents are frustrated with road construction delays that have persisted since August 2023, particularly on Gilmer Street, as city officials cite weather conditions and unexpected underground discoveries as primary causes.
- Ongoing delays: Road construction projects have faced setbacks since August 2023, with Gilmer Street receiving the most community backlash due to prolonged timelines.
- Multiple causes: City leaders blame weather conditions like rain and frigid temperatures, plus unexpected underground infrastructure discoveries and supply issues with third-party contractors.
- Progress update: Bunny Trail construction is nearing completion and expected to finish by the end of the month, while the city asks for continued patience with these "complicated" projects.
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BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Killeen residents are expressing frustration over prolonged road construction delays that have stretched back to August 2023, with Gilmer Street at the forefront of community backlash.
We've been following these construction issues for months, and city leaders have identified several key factors causing the delays.
Weather conditions, including rain and frigid temperatures, have contributed to the setbacks. However, the most significant challenges have come from unexpected field discoveries.
City officials cite "unexpected challenges" as a major factor, including finding unknown underground infrastructure and experiencing supply issues with third-party contractors.
"Each project has had it’s individual challenge. Gilmer Street encountered utilities that were unknown and had no records that needed to be relocated. Bunny Trail also encountered underground utilities that were in conflict with the project that had to be relocated by third party utility owners. Watercrest and Stagecoach have had supply issues with the construction materials that the contractor has been working to resolve. Both these projects are still within the contract days to complete."
Despite the ongoing delays, there is positive news for some areas.
Construction on Bunny Trail is nearing completion, with the city expecting road work to finish at the end of the month.
While the delays can be frustrating for residents, the city is reassuring neighbors that these projects are "complicated" and they appreciate everyone's patience during the construction process.
The construction delays have been ongoing since August 2023, affecting multiple streets throughout the community.
"These type of projects are very extensive and complicated and it is not unusual to encounter unknowns. The city and the contractors are working diligently to complete these projects as soon as possible and within the design requirements and quality expectations. We do want to ask everyone to just be patient with these projects. They will be completed as soon as possible and once it is completed there will be a new roadway and sidewalks for everyone to enjoy."
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