ARTICLE
Final Phase of 1st Street Reconstruction Project Now Underway Southbound detour currently in place between Central Avenue and Avenue A Drivers heading into Downtown Temple to visit businesses on 1st Street will see changes in traffic patterns starting this week. Crews have begun work reconstructing the west side of the roadway between Central Avenue and Avenue A, with one-way traffic currently in place in the northbound direction. As a result, all drivers heading southbound from Central Avenue are being detoured to Main Street and then Avenue A to reach 1st Street. Parking is still available on the east side of 1st Street. This traffic pattern will remain in place until the end of March, when construction will flip to the opposite side of the roadway. Access will remain for all businesses in the area. The 1st Street Reconstruction Project, funded by Temple’s Reinvestment Zone #1, will improve the entire streetscape to include pavement rehabilitation, landscaping, lighting, parking, sidewalks and utilities in the area. The project follows concepts established by the 2013 Downtown Master Plan. The first phase of the 1st Street reconstruction project between Avenues A and B opened to drivers back in December. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2020. Residents with inquiries about the project should reach out to the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254-298-5660.