The Texas Department of Transportation’s Amarillo district is asking motorists to plan ahead for several lane closures across the city the week of Aug. 17 as crews conduct routine maintenance, striping, patching and edge repairs on key corridors.
TxDOT Amarillo "Know Before You Go" traffic report for week of 8/17/26:
Where and when to expect work
TxDOT listed specific closures and operations that could affect commutes and travel through Amarillo. The most immediate impacts are on US 287 through Washburn, where lane restrictions are scheduled on consecutive days, and on major local arteries including Amarillo Boulevard, State Loop 335 frontage roads and the I‑40 service road.
- Monday, Aug. 17: The right lane of southbound US 287 through Washburn will be closed for routine maintenance.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18: The right lane of northbound US 287 through Washburn will be closed for routine maintenance.
- Throughout the week: Intermittent lane closures on eastbound Amarillo Boulevard at Lakeside Drive and north Hughes Street for patching operations.
- Throughout the week: Lane closures in both directions on the SL 335 frontage roads from Georgia Street to Arden Road for striping operations.
- Throughout the week: Lane closures on the I‑40 service road from Arnot Road to Helium Road for edge repair operations.
Which routes to avoid or use with caution
Drivers who routinely use US 287 to travel between Amarillo and nearby communities should expect delays on Monday and Tuesday for the Washburn segments. Motorists using Amarillo Boulevard at the Lakeside Drive and north Hughes Street intersections should anticipate short stoppages or shifts in traffic patterns as crews perform pavement patching.
| Route | Location | Planned activity | Primary impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 287 | Washburn | Routine maintenance | Right lane closures Mon (SB), Tue (NB) |
| Amarillo Boulevard (eastbound) | Lakeside Dr & N Hughes St | Patching operations | Various lane closures |
| SL 335 frontage roads | Georgia St to Arden Rd | Striping operations | Lane closures in both directions |
| I‑40 service road | Arnot Rd to Helium Rd | Edge repair | Various lane closures |
How commuters and businesses are affected
Short-term lane closures for patching, striping and edge repair are standard maintenance measures but can produce delays during peak periods. Commuters may experience slower travel times along these corridors, and drivers should allow extra time for trips, especially Monday and Tuesday when work on US 287 is expected. Local businesses near the affected intersections — particularly along Amarillo Boulevard and the SL 335 corridor — may see slight changes in access or customer flow while crews are on site.
TxDOT typically stages work to minimize disruption and often conducts lane closures during off-peak hours when possible. However, motorists should be prepared for temporary lane shifts and reduced speeds in work zones. Remember that fines for speeding in work zones are often increased and that worker safety requires attentive driving.
Safety and planning tips
- Check travel times before leaving and consider alternate routes around Washburn and the SL 335 frontage roads.
- Follow posted signs, flaggers and reduced speed limits in work zones.
- Expect intermittent delays near Amarillo Boulevard intersections; plan errands for non-peak hours when possible.
TxDOT’s weekly "Know Before You Go" updates aim to give drivers advance notice of planned work. Motorists should monitor local traffic reports and TxDOT Amarillo social media for any last-minute changes or additional projects announced during the week.
For commuters and travelers in Amarillo, the guidance is straightforward: slow down, give crews room to work and plan extra time for trips on the affected corridors the week of Aug. 17.
