Business I-40 (Amarillo Boulevard) intersection reconfigurations
Upgrades will convert frontage roads, add cable median barriers, reduce crossovers, and add innovative intersection designs
Project overview
TxDOT's Amarillo District is proposing improvements to Business I-40 (Amarillo Boulevard) in Potter County that will span approximately 2.91 miles from West Ninth Street/State Loop (SL) 279 to Hughes Street. The project will include construction of a shared-use path (SUP) to enhance pedestrian accessibility along the corridor. Pedestrian upgrades will be made at the traffic signal at Western Street and Ranch-to-Market (RM) 1061, and a full traffic signal upgrade will be completed at the intersection of Ninth Street and McMasters Street.
Project purpose
The purpose of this project is to improve safety along the BI-40 (Amarillo Boulevard) corridor. This will be accomplished through reducing the current crossovers and replacing them at designated locations with Reduced Conflict U-Turn (RCUT) intersections. This innovative intersection design improves safety by reducing vehicle conflicts while simplifying the decision process when drivers are approaching an intersection. You can scroll down to the bottom of this page to learn more. Pedestrian safety, accessibility and connectivity within the project area will also be improved by upgrading and expanding pedestrian infrastructure. This project will also enhance motorist safety and preserve corridor mobility moving forward as traffic volumes continue to grow. This is one portion of a main corridor through Amarillo and this project will connect to previous projects that have been completed or are currently under construction.
Proposed improvements
The proposed improvements include:
- Converting two frontage roads to one-way operation for pedestrian elements
- Installing cable median barrier
- Modifying drainage to accommodate the shared-use path
- Upgrading existing roadway lighting to LED fixtures.
- A separate pavement improvement component will include a 2-inch ACP overlay with fabric interlayer and approximately 20% pavement repair; intersection improvements at Bell Street, RM 1061, and Western Street; frontage road updates to one lane for roadway elements; high-mast lighting at Bell Street; and consolidation of existing crossovers.
Project status
- Preliminary Engineering - Complete; Presented to the public through both virtual and in-person meetings on May 7, 2026 for comments
- Plans Specifications and Estimate – Will be finalized after public comments have been reviewed and any necessary adjustments have been designed
- Construction – Projected to begin spring of 2028
- Funding – This project is fully funded
- Right of Way (ROW) - No ROW acquisition is required for this project.
Get involved
In addition to its commitment to safety, TxDOT makes every effort to involve the public in projects designed to enhance the community where you work, live and play. As such, you are invited to get involved by joining us for a virtual public meeting with in-person options. The purpose of the multiple meeting opportunities is to share project information and updates, present proposed schematics of the proposed project and collect input from the community. Links to the meetings related to this project will be updated below as they are scheduled:
- Virtual public meeting with in-person options - Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
- Virtual public meeting with in-person options - Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Provide your feedback
Learn more
To learn more about the innovative intersection designs associated with this project, watch the videos provided below or read more in our Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) Intersection Fact Sheet.