Lane closures for extended US 83 S.-Loop 20 road work

Lane closures on US 83 S. at Loop 20 will continue December 7-9, and December 14-16 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Closures will entail closing southbound US 83 turning lane at Loop 20, and eastbound Ross St. at US 83. (Ross St. is located due west of US 83-Loop 20 intersection opposite end of Loop 20 at US 83.)

DETOUR: Southbound US 83 traffic approaching US 83-SH 359 Three Points Interchange will be detoured to SH 359 ramp over US 83 for continued travel on SH 359 to Loop 20.

The traveling public can expect delays and prepare to merge to open lane(s).

Please drive with caution, observe advanced warning signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

For more information, please contact Raul Leal, TxDOT Laredo District public information officer at (956) 712-7416.

Follow the TxDOT Laredo District at http://twitter.com/txdotlaredo

TxDOT announces Guadalupe-Chihuaha street closures

WHY: Construction of railroad overpass on US 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Streets)

WHEN/WHERE: US 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Sts.) cross streets between Monterrey Ave. and Cedar Ave. in Laredo/Webb County:

● NEW – Maryland Avenue, between Chihuahua and Guadalupe, will be closed beginning on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 and will re-open Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. Duration of street closure is three (3) weeks, approximately.

● ONGOING - Until further notice, the outside eastbound lane on Chihuahua Street from Monterrey to the west and Sanders to the east will remain closed on a daily basis until 4 p.m. in order to conduct utility work.

● CLOSED INDEF. - Lexington Avenue, between Chihuahua and Guadalupe was closed on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 and will remain closed for the duration of the project as it is called for in the plans to be closed indefinitely. Detour in effect.

● CLOSED INDEF. - Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets (US 83) will remain closed indefinitely for the duration of the project. Detour in effect.

The traveling public is asked to exercise extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area. Please use caution around heavy machinery and tractor-trailer traffic.

The US 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Streets) railroad grade separation project (CSJ# 0086-01-052) is being constructed by Anderson Columbia Co., Inc. at a cost of $10.8 million.

Utilities construction work closes lane, causes interruption of water service

Mares Backhoe Services, the utilities contractor for a new apartment complex, will be closing one lane at 7123 Rosson Lane, between Jacaman Road and Bob Bullock, on Monday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The company will be connecting two water lines for the new apartment complex.

Traffic control equipment and flaggers will be present at location, but motorists should proceed with caution when driving in the area.

Additionally, Water interruption is expected between five to seven hours, on that first section of Rosson Lane entering from Jacaman Road on this same day. Residents in the area should be prepared for an interruption of water service until the completion of the project.

LISD construction project to cause road closure

The utilities contractor, MTZ Construction for the new Laredo Independent School District Transportation Facility will be closing East Locust Street, between Springfield Avenue and Monterrey Avenue, Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The work will consist of a water main lowering, and two water connections for the new facility. Below you should find additional information for this project.

East Locust Street will be closed at the intersections of Springfield Avenue, Marcella Avenue, Sanders Avenue, and Monterrey Avenue.

Updated: Water line installation to interrupt traffic on Bartlett

Tri-dal, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience along Bartlett Avenue from Stewart Street to Price Street on Thursday in order to install a 24-inch water line. Work is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This water line will connect from the new elevated storage tank that is located at the intersection of Barlett Ave. and Price St. to an existing 14-inch water line on Bartlett Avenue. Water services will not be interrupted.

Work is anticipated to take approximately 11 hours for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are urged to adhere to all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to everyone.

Rollover closes down I-35

The southbound lanes of Interstate 35 have been closed after a rollover accident by mile marker 14 at around 1 p.m.

The traveling public heading southbound on I-35 is being detoured to take the access road on exit 18 and will be able to get up on I-35 at the Uniroyal Entrance where Flying J is located. The detour is scheduled through 5 p.m.

The traveling public is advised to slow down, drive with extreme caution, follow the marked detour, and watch out for the road maintenance crew working at that location.

Installation of water valves to cause reduced water pressure

Closner Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo Utilities Department, will be installing a new 16-inch valve and 8-inch valve at the intersection of Mines Road and San Gabriel Drive, which is part of a water line improvements project. Work at this location will impact the water pressure in the entire Mines Road area.

The work is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 20, from 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21.

Water services will be slightly interrupted causing reduced water pressure for all customers located along Mines Road from Interstate 35 to the Millenium Subdivision.

Work is anticipated to take approximately eight hours for completion. Upon completion of water line improvements, the water line will be flushed and services will be restored.

Temporary shut down to leave some customers without water

The City of Laredo Utilities Department will be shutting down water services temporarily Tuesday, Sept. 14, for some residents in order to verify the area to be affected in preparation for an upcoming 18-inch water line tie-in that is located inside the Milmo Booster Pump Station.

The outage is scheduled from 10-11 a.m.

Customers to be affected include those who reside along San Luis Street from Bartlett Avenue to Milmo Avenue and those who live along Milmo Avenue from Chestnut Street to San Luis Street

Water services will be interrupted for approximately one hour.

To report water or wastewater service problems, please contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Water line improvements to cause service interruption

Closner Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo Utilities Department, will be installing a new 10-inch valve at the intersection of FM 1472 (Mines Road) and Quail Creek Road, which is part of a water line improvements project.

Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 7, and will take place over night from 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Water services will be interrupted for all customers located along FM 1472 southbound from San Gabriel to Big Bend Boulevard and along Quail Creek Road from FM 1472 to Atlanta Drive.

Work is anticipated to take approximately eight hours for completion. Upon completion of water line improvements, the water line will be flushed and services will be restored.

Upcoming I-35 lane closures in Laredo

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 12, the Texas Department of Transportation Laredo Area Office through a contractor will perform bridge repair work at two Interstate 35 bridge locations near downtown Laredo. Bridge locations include the Park Street and Jefferson Street I-35 bridges.

Northbound (NB) I-35 traffic will experience two NB inside lanes closed, and one NB outer lane and shoulder open at and between Park Street and Jefferson Street I-35 Bridges. I-35 NB main lanes will resume a full three-lane traffic pattern after aforementioned lane closures.

Also, please be advised that the leftmost inside lane of San Dario Avenue will be closed from Matamoros Street to NB I-35 entrance and continuing onto NB I-35 main lanes where the single lane closure will widen to left and middle lane closures prior to the Park Street I-35 bridge.

The I-35 NB entrance ramp north of Scott Street will be closed. Therefore, traffic will be detoured to I-35 entrance ramp north of Park Street.

An eastbound leftmost lane closure of Victoria Street will occur between San Bernardo Avenue and I-35. An eastbound leftmost lane closure of Matamoros Street will also occur between Santa Ursula Avenue and San Dario Avenue.

The traveling public is advised to observe advanced warning traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

AEP cable work will cause partial lane closure

AEP will be laying new wires, which will cause the eastbound lane at the 1100 block of Farragut, between Convent and Flores, to be closed. Westbound traffic will not be affected.

The closure will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 7, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers are urged to obey all traffic signs and to drive carefully next to employees and equipment.

Emergency reconstruction closes street

Starting Tuesday, Aug. 31, City of Laredo Public Works crews closed the 2800 block of Seymore between Kearney and Lion until Friday, Sept. 3, due to an emergency repair and reconstruction of the valley gutter in the area. Additionally, El Metro will not have access to the stop at Seymore and Lion.

Traveling inbound, El Metro will use a temporary stop on Loring Street, a block further from Seymour.

For more information, contact the City of Laredo Public Works Division at 795-2500 or El Metro Customer Service at 795-2280.

Overpass construction causes detours

As construction of railroad overpass on US 83 continues, several cross streets between Monterrey and Cedar avenues.

Maryland Avenue, between Chihuahua and Guadalupe, will be closed beginning Monday, Aug. 30, for about three weeks and re-open on Friday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

Monterrey Avenue, south of Chihuahua, will remain closed until Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 5:30 p.m. Detour in effect.

Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets (US 83) will remain closed for the duration of the project. Detour in effect.

Construction to interrupt San Bernardo traffic

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience at the intersection of Jefferson Street and San Bernardo Avenue in order to replace a 20" water line. Water services will not be interrupted.

Construction is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m., starting Aug. 24.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take approximately fourteen hours for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are urged to adhere to all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to everyone.

Monterrey Street to close in construction project

Monterrey Street, south of the Monterrey/Chihuahua intersection will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 7 a.m. and will reopen on Friday, Aug. 20, at 5:30 p.m. A detour will be in effect. Construction is ongoing for the railroad overpass on U.S. 83.

Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua streets U.S. 83 will remain closed for the duration of the project.

The traveling public is asked to exercise extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area. Use caution around heavy machinery and tractor-trailer traffic.

Construction work to temporarily close street

Rhino Builders will be working on improvements to Eistetter Park and will close West Eistetter Street between McDonnell and Valencia Avenue on Thursday, Aug. 19, starting at 9 a.m. The closure should last until approximately 2 p.m. Motorists should drive with caution in the area and if possible, find an alternate route.

Lane closures on U.S. 59

A lane on U.S. 59 will be closed as Bick's Construction paves the main lanes along the road from mile marker 790 to 798. Mile marker 790 is eight miles east of FM2895.

The construction is scheduled from Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The paving of the main lanes will be done as a moving operation, the working area is two miles, and the traveling public should be prepared to merge to an open lane. The traveling public is advised to drive with extreme caution, slow down, observe/adhere to the traffic control devices, and watch out for the road maintenance crew working at this location.

This labor is part of RMC: 6209-02-001, which was awarded to Bick's Construction. This project consists of planing,overlay, and pavement markings. The work location is Webb County's U.S. 59.

Carlos G. Rodriguez, P.E., Laredo area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District is responsible for this project.

Construction to disrupt service

A water line tie-in Thursday is scheduled to cause service interruption in the downtown area from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The affected areas are Hidalgo Street from Salinas Avenue to San Agustin Avenue as well as Flores Avenue from Hidalgo Street to Lincoln Street.

MDA, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will tie-in a new 8-inch water line to an existing 8-inch water line, causing temporary interruption of water services.

The tie-in is anticipated to take approximately nine hours for completion.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are cautioned to heed all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to all citizens.

Nighttime lane closures scheduled for U.S. 59

There will be alternating nighttime lane closures on U.S. 59 between Aug.2 to Aug. 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Construction crews will perform mill and overlay road rehab work on U.S. 59 east- and westbound lanes to include left turn lanes.

The traveling public should expect alternating lane closures and prepare to merge to open lanes.

Drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

Work will be performed by Anderson Columbia Inc. work crews as part of a $1.6 million road rehabilitation project that began July 2, 2010, to portions of U.S. 83 south (completed), Loop 20 (almost completed) and Spur 400 (forthcoming).

TxDOT holds second round of public meetings on Statewide Transportation Plan

AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a second series of open-house style public meetings to give citizens yet another opportunity to offer feedback on a long-range plan that provides the agency with a blueprint for the states future transportation needs.

TxDOT held the first series of meetings in May.

The agency's 25 districts will each host a meeting the first two weeks of August. The Laredo District's meeting is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 3, 2010, at the Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District Office Large Meeting Room (behind main building) at 1817 Bob Bullock Loop.

Meeting dates and locations for the agency's Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035 are available on the TxDOT website.

The plan addresses future multi-modal transportation needs for Texas, including transit, rail, highways, bicycles and pedestrians. This statewide plan is also the basis for a number of other TxDOT planning efforts such as the Texas Rail Plan, the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan and corridor-related initiatives. In addition, the plan provides direction to make it easier for all of these different efforts to work in coordination. It also assures the states goals are consistent with federal priorities and guidelines.

TxDOT spent the last six months analyzing system changes that have taken place in the last 20 years and, based on this information, the agency has forecast anticipated changes for the next 25 years. Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on this analysis at the August meetings.

The meetings are designed to give Texans an informal venue for viewing an informational video and exhibits about the analysis findings, including the results of the transportation questionnaires completed by participants at the first round of meetings in May. Participants may ask questions and provide written comments on the plan which is scheduled to be completed and ready for adoption by the Texas Transportation Commission this fall.

A final public hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 2010 in Austin. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days after the hearing date.

Citizens who cannot attend the meeting may send written comments to Peggy Thurin, P.E., Project Manager, Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035, 4544 Post Oak Place, #224, Houston, Texas, 77027. Comments may also be made online or by calling the toll-free number (888) TX-PLAN (1-888-589-7526).

Persons with special communication or accommodation needs may contact Michael Graham at (956) 712-7742. Requests should be made no later than three days prior to the open-house style public meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the needs.

Drainage improvement project to close road for four weeks

City of Laredo Public Works crews will begin a drainage improvement project on Eden Street between Del Mar Boulevard and Andrew Lane. The roadway will be closed to all traffic for approximately four weeks, starting Tuesday, July 27, and concluding Sunday, Aug. 22, weather permitting.

Crews will be adding concrete box culverts in the area to help increase the water drainage capacity, to help reduce flooding in the area.

For more information on the project, call the City of Laredo Public Works Division at 795-2500.

TxDOT holds second round of public meetings on Statewide Transportation Plan

AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a second series of open-house style public meetings to give citizens yet another opportunity to offer feedback on a long-range plan that provides the agency with a blueprint for the state's future transportation needs.

TxDOT held the first series of meetings in May.

The agency's 25 districts will each host a meeting the first two weeks of August. The Laredo District’s meeting is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District Office Large Meeting Room (behind main building), 1817 Bob Bullock Loop.

Meeting dates and locations for the agency's Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035 are available on the TxDOT website.

The plan addresses future multi-modal transportation needs for Texas, including transit, rail, highways, bicycles and pedestrians. This statewide plan is also the basis for a number of other TxDOT planning efforts such as the Texas Rail Plan, the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan and corridor-related initiatives. In addition, the plan provides direction to make it easier for all of these different efforts to work in coordination. It also assures the state’s goals are consistent with federal priorities and guidelines.

TxDOT spent the last six months analyzing system changes that have taken place in the last 20 years and, based on this information, the agency has forecast anticipated changes for the next 25 years. Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on this analysis at the August meetings.

The meetings are designed to give Texans an informal venue for viewing an informational video and exhibits about the analysis findings, including the results of the transportation questionnaires completed by participants at the first round of meetings in May. Participants may ask questions and provide written comments on the plan which is scheduled to be completed and ready for adoption by the Texas Transportation Commission this fall.

A final public hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 2010 in Austin. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days after the hearing date.

Citizens who cannot attend the meeting may send written comments to Peggy Thurin, P.E., Project Manager, Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan 2035, 4544 Post Oak Place, #224, Houston, Texas, 77027. Comments may also be made online or by calling the toll-free number (888) 5TX-PLAN ((888)-589-7526).

Persons with special communication or accommodation needs may contact Michael Graham at (956) 712-7742. Requests should be made no later than three days prior to the open-house style public meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the needs.

TxDOT executive director named president of WASHTO

Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Amadeo Saenz Jr. has an additional transportation job.

Saenz was elected president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) during the organization's annual meeting earlier this week in Bismarck, North Dakota. He will term runs through July 2011. He previously served as vice president of the group.

"This is a pivotal time in transportation history, and I look forward to working with western state members on important federal transportation issues like SAFETEA-LU reauthorization," Saenz said.

Saenz was named the 19th executive director of TxDOT in 2007. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and a native of Hebronville.

The purpose of WASHTO is to serve its member departments by:

• contributing to national policies on transportation issues responsive to members' needs

• promoting a closer relationship between its members

• advising Congress on legislation supporting efficient and effective transportation systems

• economic competitiveness and the environmental integrity of member state

• providing a forum for exchanging ideas, exploring and adapting techniques, promoting quality and best practices for implementation; and

• working with the USDOT and other governmental agencies.

WASHTO membership includes departments of transportation from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming and Washington. For more information, visit www.washto.org.

TxDOT announces street closures along U.S. 83

Streets along Guadalupe and Chihuahua from Monterrey and Cedar avenues will be closed for more than a week because of the construction of a railroad overpass on U.S. 83.

Monterrey Avenue, south of the Monterrey/Chihuahua intersection will be closed for approximately eight days. Access to southbound Monterrey from Chihuahua will be detoured to Sanders Avenue then to Rosario Street.

Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets will remain closed for the duration of the project. Detour is in effect.

The traveling public is asked to exercise extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area. Use caution around heavy machinery and tractor-trailer traffic.

The U.S. 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Streets) railroad grade separation project is being constructed by Anderson Columbia Co. at a cost of $10.8 million.

Street closures to facilitate railroad overpass

Several cross streets along Guadalupe and Chihuahua streets will be closed to continue construction of railroad overpass on U.S. 83.

• Monterrey Street south of the Monterrey/Chihuahua intersection will not be closed on June 24 to July 2 at 5 p.m. Instead it will be closed from June 28 to July 9.

• Marcella Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets will be closed Monday, June 21, through Wednesday, June 23. This street will be reopened on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

• Maryland Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets on Wednesday, June 23, through Friday, June 25. This street will be reopened on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

• Sanders Avenue between Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets (US 83) will remain closed for the duration of the project.

Detours are in effect. The traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area. Also, please use caution around heavy machinery and tractor-trailer traffic.

The U.S. 83 (Guadalupe-Chihuahua Streets) railroad grade separation project (CSJ No. 0086-01-052) is being constructed by Anderson Columbia Co. at a cost of $10.8 million.

Traffic to change at Mines Road

Weather permitting, Rosiek Construction will convert current traffic on Santa Maria Avenue to one-way southbound traffic only between FM 1472 (Mines Road) southbound and Del Mar Boulevard on Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m..

This will facilitate the construction of curb and gutter along Santa Maria Avenue eliminating the at-grade crossing over the railroad tracks at the FM 1472 and Santa Maria Avenue intersection, and opening of FM 1472 Southbound Direct Connector Santa Maria Avenue exit ramp to Santa Maria Ave.

Effective Saturday, June 26, the northbound and southbound FM 1472 at-grade railroad crossing will be eliminated. Therefore, FM 1472 southbound traffic will now use the FM 1472 SB Direct Connector to exit at Santa Maria Avenue for access to Del Mar Boulevard east bound or Interstate 35 SB frontage road and I-35 SB main lanes. Additionally, all westbound traffic passing through the Del Mar Boulevard underpass will only be able to turn south onto San Bernardo Avenue Access to FM 1472 from San Dario Avenue is available via on-ramp north of Del Mar Boulevard

The traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

Road closures planned June 24-25

IH-35 Southbound Main Lanes & FM 1472 Southbound Direct Connector Nighttime Closures

WHEN: Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2010

WHERE: Along IH-35 Southbound Main Lanes south of Exit 4 (Santa Maria Ave./Del Mar Blvd.) and FM 1472 Southbound Direct Connector in Laredo/Webb County.

WHY: Weather permitting, Rosiek Construction, Inc. will be removing concrete barriers, placing pavement markings along IH 35 Southbound and installing a crash cushion along FM 1472 Southbound Direct Connector.

Detour in effect: IH-35 SB Main Lanes traffic must take Exit 4 (IH 35 SB frontage road/St. Maria Ave.) This traffic will be directed onto St. Maria Ave. to Del Mar Blvd. and IH-35 SB entry ramp. FM 1472 SB traffic will be directed onto St. Maria Ave. to Del Mar Blvd. and IH-35 SB entry ramp. The traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs and road markings in and around the work area.

Daytime lane switch and nighttime closures scheduled on FM 1472

Effective June 17 at 10 a.m., traffic pattern northbound FM 1472 will be shifted permanently to the right past the railroad tracks and past Manadas Creek. Traffic should slow down and prepare for traffic shift.

In addition, the FM 1472 (Mines Road) southbound director connector will close at nighttime both Thursday, June 17, and Friday, June 18, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic will be directed to the southbound access loop onto Santa Maria Avenue to Del Mar Boulevard to Interstate 35 southbound.

The traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

Construction at Mines Road intersections to begin

The Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin weekend work on the FM 1472 (Mines Rd.) Intersections Project.

Construction begins July 9 and is expected to impact traffic beginning on Fridays at 6 p.m. until Mondays at 6 a.m. when the road re-opens completely to traffic.

The FM 1472 (Mines Rd.) Intersections Project will be constructed by Price Construction at a cost of $1.85 million, using traditional state transportation funds. The work, on north- and southbound lanes, will consist of asphalt pavement replacement at various locations and rebuilding of intersections and intersection approaches with concrete. Intersections to be impacted include Interamerica Boulevard, Trade Center Boulevard, Mueller Boulevard and Pan American Boulevard. The project will be completed in approximately five months, weather permitting.

Traffic should slow down, expect alternating lane closures and prepare to merge to open lane(s). As always, the traveling public is asked to drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

Jacaman to be resurfaced

The City of Laredo Public Works Division will be resurfacing Jacaman Road between McPherson and the Upper Zacate Creek, starting first thing in the morning Monday, June 14, and concluding by end of day on Tuesday, June 15.

The road will not be closed to motorists, as the work will be done one lane at a time, but traffic will be impacted.

Motorists are urged to find alternate routes, but if traveling in the area, to please drive with extreme caution and observe and obey all traffic control and detour signs for their safety and the safety of the construction crews working on this very important project.

For more information, call the City of Laredo Public Works Division at 795-2500.

City schedules multiple construction projects

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience along several areas in order to replace existing water lines. Water services will not be interrupted at this time. The contractor will provide a 24-hour notification (through a flier) to each customer or property to be affected.

The affected areas are:

• Bustamante Street from Foster Avenue to Bartlett Avenue

• Naranjo Avenue from Calton Road to Leal Street

• Sandman Street from Bartlett Avenue to Daugherty Street

• Bartlett Avenue from Sandman Street to Bustamante Street

• Calton Road from Cherry Hill Drive to Thomas Avenue

• Olive Street from Barcelona Circle to Springfield Avenue

• Salinas Avenue from Garden Street to Farias Street

Construction is scheduled from June 21 through Aug. 10, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take approximately nine weeks for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are cautioned to heed all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to all citizens.

To report water or wastewater service problems, please contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Line replacement to cause traffic inconvenience

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience along Jefferson Street between Santa Rita Avenue and Pinder Avenue in order to replace an existing 20-inch water line.

Construction is scheduled for June 16 through July 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Water services will not be interrupted at this time. The contractor will provide a 24-hour notification (through a flier) to each customer or property to be affected.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take approximately four weeks for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are cautioned to heed all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to all citizens.

To report water or wastewater service problems, contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Line connection to cause service interruption on Ejido

Resendez Inc., a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily interrupt water services on Tuesday, June 15, to do a tie-in and install a valve at the intersection of Ejido Avenue and Stewart Street. Work will affect water services for customers who reside along the 2500 block of Ejido Avenue and the 3200 block of Stewart Street.

Construction is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a part of the Ejido Avenue/Stewart Street Drainage Project.

The tie-in is anticipated to take approximately six hours for completion.

To report water or wastewater service problems, contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Repairs to cause reduced water pressure in north Laredo

Repairs to a pump station in north Laredo scheduled Saturday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to noon will cause reduced water pressure in the area.

The City of Laredo Utilities Department will be replacing a gate valve on the suction side of a pump at the Highland Booster Pump Station. Work will cause reduced water pressure to properties located north of Del Mar Boulevard, east of McPherson Road, and west and south of Loop 20.

Work is anticipated to take approximately four hours for completion.

To report water or wastewater service problems, contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Cedar water line replacement to interrupt traffic

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience along Cedar Avenue between Bustamante Street and Olive Street in order to replace an 8-inch water line.

Water services will not be interrupted at this time. The contractor will provide a 24-hour notification (through a flier) to each customer or property to be affected.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take approximately two weeks for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are cautioned to heed all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to all citizens.

To report water or wastewater service problems, contact the City of Laredo Utilities Emergency Call Center at (956) 721-2010.

Mines road construction leads to lane closure

On-going construction of the FM 1472 overpass at Interstate 35 will require the following lane closure due to modifications to the raised median along FM 1472 within the project limits.

• June 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Inner lane closure of FM 1472 northbound-access loop.

Detour in effect: All FM 1472 northbound traffic by the access loop will merge to the outer lane starting at the railroad crossing to just north of Manadas Creek.

The traveling public is asked to slow down, drive with extreme caution and observe all traffic safety signs, road markings and channelization devices in and around the work area.

TxDOT to host public meetings

The Texas Department of Transportation is conducting State Transportation Involvement Program (STIP) public meetings across the state, and the Laredo District will hold the following STIP public meetings district wide:

• June 1, 4-7 p.m. in Del Rio - TxDOT Laredo District State Transportation Improvement Program 2011-14 Open House-Style Public Meeting at Del Rio Civic Center, Kennedy Room, 1915 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, Texas 78840

• June 2, 4-7 p.m. in Eagle Pass - TxDOT Laredo District State Transportation Improvement Program 2011-14 Open House-Style Public Meeting at Eagle Pass Center for Trade, 3295 Bob Rogers Drive, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852

• June 3, 4-7 p.m. in Carrizo Springs - TxDOT Laredo District State Transportation Improvement Program 2011-14 Open House-Style Public Meeting at Carrizo Springs Civic Center, 405 7th Street, Carrizo Springs, Texas 78834

• June 7, 2010, 4-7 p.m. in Laredo - TxDOT Laredo District State Transportation Improvement Program 2011-14 Open House-Style Public Meeting at Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District Meeting Room, 1817 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, Texas 78043

Water interruption scheduled

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience at the intersection of Bustamante Street and Springfield Avenue on Tuesday, June 1, in order to replace an 8-inch water line.

Water services will not be interrupted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The contractor will provide a 24-hour notification (through a flier) to each customer/property to be affected.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take about eight hours for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are cautioned to heed all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to all citizens.

DPS troopers vigilant during Memorial Day weekend

All available DPS troopers will be on patrol during the Memorial Day weekend in an effort to keep the traveling public safer.

"Most crashes are needless tragedies that easily could have been avoided; you don’t want your holiday to end with the death of a loved one," said David Baker, assistant director in charge of the Texas Highway Patrol. "This weekend kicks off the summer season, and we are especially concerned about people who recklessly choose to drive drunk."

Troopers, and many law enforcement agencies across the state, will focus on drunk drivers, speeders and seat belt violators during the long holiday weekend.

During the Memorial Day holiday last year, DPS troopers arrested 622 drunk drivers and wrote nearly 8,511 speeding tickets. In addition, 1,937 seat belt and 521 child restraint citations were issued.

"Statistically, your chances of getting a ticket or getting arrested for DWI go up dramatically during holiday periods," said Baker.

DPS troopers are among the many officers across Texas participating in Click It or Ticket, a national campaign aimed at increasing the number of people who use their seat belts correctly. A seat belt dramatically increases the chance of survival in a serious crash.

DPS also is a participant in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) a nationwide effort by police agencies to reduce fatalities during holidays.

Heavy rains cause road closure

Recent heavy rains have eroded the base of Canal Street, between San Francisco and Gallagher Avenue, making the road unstable for heavy motoring. Therefore, the City of Laredo has closed this section of the street until further notice.

Work on the street will begin soon when it will be reinforced with concrete.

Motorists are urged to find alternate routes, but if traveling in the area, to please drive with extreme caution and observe and obey all traffic control and detour signs for their safety and the safety of the construction crews working on this very important project.

Industrial streets to be closed

Weather permitting, on-going construction on several of Laredo’s industrial street projects will include several closures, starting next week. The City of Laredo contractor will coordinate with area businesses to maintain access. The traveling public should slow down, drive with extreme caution, and observe all safety signs, traffic control devices and flaggers in the work zone area.

Killam Industrial Park

Work will continue on the intersection of Killam and Archer, and Sara and El Gato. El Gato will remain closed at Sara, traffic must be detoured to Whitepoint Road. Traffic on Archer must yield to traffic turning from Killam Avenue. Flaggers will also be used at these intersections during most day time operations.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, work will begin on Killam between Lamar Road and FM 1472. Traffic will be switched to one lane each direction on Killam.

Inter-America Industrial Park

Work will continue at intersection of Inter-America and FM 1472 entrance for approximately the next two weeks.

On Wednesday, May 26, work will begin on a short section of Pan American road about half a mile west of FM 1472. Traffic will be transition to one side of the roadway.

Tejas Industrial Park

Work will continue on San Mateo Avenue while traffic will be transitioned to one side of the road.

Line replacement to affect traffic on Jefferson Street

SLC Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will temporarily cause traffic inconvenience along Jefferson Street between Santa Ursula Avenue and San Agustin Avenue in order to replace a 20-inch water line. Water services will not be interrupted at this time. The contractor will provide a 24-hour notification (through a flier) to each customer/property affected.

The replacement of the water line is anticipated to take about four weeks for completion. Progress updates will be made available by the Utilities Department.

Motorists and pedestrians traveling through the area are urged to adhere to all posted traffic control signs and devices to provide safety to everyone.

Intersection closed for park addition construction

Rhino Builders will be closing the intersection of Eistetter and Valencia Street on Monday, May 24, starting at 9 a.m. and should be finished by 4 p.m. that same day. This is to facilitate utilities construction work for a restroom facility they are building at Eistetter Park.

Mines Road construction update

On-going construction of the FM 1472 overpass at Interstate 35 will require the following lane closures and detours to begin removing overhang brackets and false decking from FM 1472 northbound direct connector, weather permitting:

• May 17, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. - Complete closure of I-35 Northbound (NB) main lanes.

Detour in effect: All I-35 NB traffic must take Exit 4 (Del Mar Boulevard) to continue along the I-35 NB Frontage Road (San Dario Avenue) to the following I-35 NB entrance ramp.

• May 18-19, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. - Complete closure of I-35 Southbound (SB) main lanes and FM 1472 SB Direct Connector.

Detour in effect: IH 35 SB traffic must take exit 4 to Santa Maria Avenue to I-35 SB Frontage Road to I-35 SB entrance ramp to re-access I-35 main lanes. Southbound traffic on FM 1472 will be directed to Santa Maria Avenue to I-35 SB Frontage Road to re-access I-35 main lanes.

• May 20, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. - Complete closure of Santa Maria Avenue from Del Mar Boulevard to FM 1472.

Detour in effect: All southbound FM 1472 traffic will be directed onto the Southbound Direct Connector to access I-35.

Construction continues on Loop 20

Ongoing construction of the FM 1472 overpass at Interstate 35 will require the following lane closures and detours to begin removing overhang brackets and false decking from FM 1472 northbound direct connector, weather permitting:

-May 15-16, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Complete closure of I-35 northbound (NB) main lanes.

Detour in effect: All I-35 NB traffic must take Exit 4 (Del Mar Boulevard) to continue along the I-35 NB Frontage Road (San Dario Avenue) to the following I-35 NB entrance ramp.

-May 17, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Complete closure of I-35 Southbound (SB) main lanes and FM 1472 SB Direct Connector.

Detour in effect: IH 35 SB traffic must take exit #4 to Santa Maria Ave. to IH 35 SB Frontage Road to IH 35 SB entrance ramp to re-access IH 35 main lanes. Southbound traffic on FM 1472 will be directed to St. Maria Ave. to IH 35 SB Frontage Road to re-access IH 35 main lanes.

-May 18-19, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Complete closure of Santa Maria Avenue from Del Mar Boulevard to FM 1472.

Detour in effect: All southbound FM 1472 traffic will be directed onto the Southbound Direct Connector to access I-35.

Construction for bus bays to commence

Over the next three weeks, Zertuche Construction will be constructing El Metro bus bays at several locations throughout Laredo. While the streets will not be completely closed during the construction, there will be alternate lane closures to allow for construction.

Motorists are urged to find alternate routes, but if traveling in the area, to please drive with extreme caution and observe and obey all traffic control and detour signs for their safety and the safety of the construction crews working on this very important project.

Monday, May 17 through Thursday, May 20

-Bob Bullock Loop 20 and Century City Boulevard

-Bob Bullock Loop 20 and New York Avenue

-Bob Bullock Loop 20 and Milmo Avenue

Monday May 24-Thursday, May 27

-U.S. 83 and Frees Street

- U.S. 83 and Barrios Street

-U.S. 83 and Boulanger Street

-U.S. 83 and Napoleon Street

Monday, May 31 through Thursday, June 3

-U.S. 83 and San Salvador, corner of Santa Clara

-U.S. 83 and San Luis, between Bartlett and Malinche

-U.S. 83 and San Salvador, between Bartlett and Jarvis

Monday, June 7 through Thursday, June 10

- U.S. 83 at Walmart

Law enforcement to enforce booster seat law

Are you ready for the next phase of the new booster seat law? Starting June 1, law enforcement officers may issue citations for violations of the recent changes to the child passenger safety law.

The law requires all children younger than 8 years old (unless already taller than 4'9") to be in the appropriate child safety seat system anywhere the child rides in a passenger vehicle. (A passenger vehicle is defined as a passenger car designed to transport not more than 10 occupants including the driver, a truck, light truck, truck tractor, sport utility vehicle and a passenger van designed to transport not more than 15 occupants including the driver.)

The law also requires that all safety seat systems (safety or booster seats and safety vests) be installed according to the manufacturers' instructions, including age, height, weight requirements and the proper placement in the vehicle. (Some manufacturers prohibit using their products on the front seats of vehicles.)

The law was passed last year during the legislative session and went into effect on Sept. 1. Officers could only issue verbal or written warnings for the first nine months, but now the enforcement phase is in effect.

Fines are $25 to $250 plus court costs…potentially much more than the cost of a safety or booster seat.

New line at Texas 359 Booster Pump Station

Qromex Construction, a private contractor hired by the City of Laredo, will tie a new 16-inch water line onto an existing 16-inch water line in order to install an additional booster pump at the Texas 359 Booster Pump Station Wednesday, May 19. Work is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is not anticipated to affect any customers.

The tie-in is anticipated to take approximately four hours for completion.

Service interruption on Lyon Street

A utilities project on Lyon Street is expected to interrupt water service in the area Wednesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while construction crews with Resendez Inc. tie a new 8-inch line to an existing water line.

The work will affect all customers who reside along the 3300 and 3400 blocks of Lyon Street, between Concord St. and Ejido Avenue, and those who also reside along the 2700 block of Cardigan Ct.

The tie-in is anticipated to take approximately five hours for completion.

Garza closed for emergency repair

CenterPoint Energy crews have closed the 800 block of Garza Street, to repair a natural gas leak. The closures will be for the remainder of today, Wednesday, May 12.

Contact CenterPoint Energy at (800) 427-7142 for more information.

Regional leaders meet to discuss I-35 improvements

Through this summer, regional leaders are meeting monthly as part of a new citizen-driven planning effort to develop a blueprint of improvements for the Interstate 35 corridor. The San Antonio/Laredo area, which is represented by the I-35 Corridor Segment Committee Four, will meet again on Thursday, May 13, to continue efforts identifying regional needs and potential solutions for the corridor.

Once the segment committee completes its regional blueprint, it will collaborate with the I-35 Corridor Advisory Committee, as well as other I-35 Corridor Segment Committees, to consolidate each regional blueprint into a comprehensive, long-range mobility plan for the entire I-35 corridor. Dubbed, MY 35, this effort will result in a plan that reflects the interests and concerns of citizens for the corridor.

MY 35 calls for a citizens' perspective on I-35 improvements including identifying corridor needs, conducting public outreach efforts, collaborating with the public and local stakeholders, and creating regional transportation blueprints. The MY 35 effort, which will be overseen by the I-35 Corridor Advisory Committee and the four segment committees, will be blueprint will be given to TxDOT to guide future corridor development.

All Corridor Segment Committee meetings are open to the public, and a complete listing of corridor advisory committees, members and meetings is available online by visiting www.keeptexasmoving.com.

The I-35 Corridor Segment Committee Four is scheduled to meet at the TxDOT - Transguide Operations Center, 3500 NW Loop 410 in San Antonio, from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 13.