TEMPLE, TX (October 28, 2026) - UPDATE: As part of the ongoing Poison Oak Improvement Project, beginning Wednesday, November 4, there will be a temporary eastbound lane closure to accommodate the delivery and installation of large bridge beams. The closure is expected to last until Friday, November 6.
The southern eastbound lane will be closed beginning November 4 and will remain closed overnight to allow crews to stage trucks transporting approximately 100-foot-long bridge beams. The beams will be delivered by 18-wheelers traveling from State Highway 317 to the construction site.
Crews are scheduled to install 36 bridge beams over two days, with 18 beams expected to be delivered and installed each day on Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6. Trucks carrying the beams will be staged along the closed lane as needed, including overnight, to support construction activities.
One lane will remain open to traffic, allowing motorists to continue traveling along Poison Oak Road to access nearby neighborhoods and Charter Oak Elementary School. Access to properties south of Poison Oak will be maintained throughout the operation.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area, remain alert for construction vehicles and crews, and allow extra travel time.
For questions about the project, residents can contact the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254.298.5660.
The southern eastbound lane will be closed beginning November 4 and will remain closed overnight to allow crews to stage trucks transporting approximately 100-foot-long bridge beams. The beams will be delivered by 18-wheelers traveling from State Highway 317 to the construction site.
Crews are scheduled to install 36 bridge beams over two days, with 18 beams expected to be delivered and installed each day on Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6. Trucks carrying the beams will be staged along the closed lane as needed, including overnight, to support construction activities.
One lane will remain open to traffic, allowing motorists to continue traveling along Poison Oak Road to access nearby neighborhoods and Charter Oak Elementary School. Access to properties south of Poison Oak will be maintained throughout the operation.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area, remain alert for construction vehicles and crews, and allow extra travel time.
For questions about the project, residents can contact the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254.298.5660.
Poison Oak Road Traffic Detour Route
Final Phase of the Poison Oak Road Improvement Project Starts June 22
Traffic Diversion to begin June 22, 2026 and last approximately 18 months
TEMPLE, TX (June 15, 2026) – The final phase of the Poison Oak Improvement Project will start on Monday, June 22, and is expected to take about 18 months to complete. This final phase of improvements will impact Poison Oak Road between Briar Hollow Drive and Old Waco Road.
This phase will bring a wider, realigned roadway with four 13-foot lanes, improved roadway drainage, a new 10-foot wide sidewalk, improved street lighting and a 12-inch water line to support future growth. These improvements are designed to improve traffic flow, safety and connectivity within the community.
Phase One construction started in April 2023 and was completed in June 2024. Plans for Phase Two were approved in December 2025 and the project is slated to wrap up in late 2027.
Residents with inquiries about the project can contact the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254-298-5660.
This phase will bring a wider, realigned roadway with four 13-foot lanes, improved roadway drainage, a new 10-foot wide sidewalk, improved street lighting and a 12-inch water line to support future growth. These improvements are designed to improve traffic flow, safety and connectivity within the community.
Phase One construction started in April 2023 and was completed in June 2024. Plans for Phase Two were approved in December 2025 and the project is slated to wrap up in late 2027.
Residents with inquiries about the project can contact the City of Temple Engineering Department at 254-298-5660.
