Traffic Diversion set to begin May 22
TEMPLE, TX (May 15, 2026) – UPDATE: Ongoing reconstruction of 1st Street (Spur 290) Veteran’s Memorial Blvd from University Courtyard Apartments to Avenue U will require a temporary closure and traffic detour on 1st Street between Marvin R. Felder Drive and Avenue R. This temporary closure and traffic detour will begin Friday, May 22 and is estimated to continue through December 1.
Phase 2 construction will include water line, drainage, roadway and traffic signal reconstruction. The intersection of 1st Street and Avenue U will be reconstructed with concrete pavement and the existing traffic signal will be replaced. An existing 6” water line will be relocated near the University Courtyard apartments to allow for storm drainage improvements across and along 1st Street south of Avenue U.
1st Street will be closed to through traffic between Marvin R. Felder Drive and Avenue R, and traffic will be detoured to 5th Street. Local driveway access will be maintained along 1st Street, and access will be maintained to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Hospital via the Main and North gates. The South gate at the VA Hospital will be closed during this phase.
Pedestrian traffic within the project limits will also be detoured during this phase. Pedestrian detour signage, pavement markings, and signalization will be provided to maintain accessible routes across 1st Street to the Main and North gates of the VA Hospital.
Bus stops for the Hill Country Transit District’s (HCTD) HOP Route 510 along 1st Street will be temporarily relocated during this phase. The existing HOP bus stop at Temple College will be relocated from 1st Street to 5th Street at Friar’s Creek Trail #2. The existing HOP bus stop at the VA Hospital will be relocated from the west side of 1st Street south of Avenue R to just inside the North entrance gate to the VA Hospital north of Avenue R.
Drivers should use caution in the area and pay attention to all traffic control devices.
Closure Map: Temporary closures and traffic diversions will be in place beginning April 10
TEMPLE, TX (February 10, 2026) – The reconstruction of 1st Street (Spur 290) Veteran's Memorial Blvd, from University Courtyard Apartments to Avenue U, will result in temporary road closures beginning Monday, February 16, and anticipated to last through Thursday, April 9.
Phase 1 construction will include sidewalk and driveway crossings on the west side of 1st Street and the north side of Avenue U. The southbound right turn lane on 1st street will be closed as needed during off-peak hours to construct the improvements. 1st Street and Avenue U in this area will remain open during construction and driveways will be accessible.
Drivers should use caution in the area and pay attention to all traffic control devices.
Residents with inquiries about the project can contact the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254-298-5660.
Closure Map: Portions of 1st St and Ave U will be temporarily closed beginning February 16