Loop 88 Construction in Lubbock Progresses with New Bridge Installation

Workers will start putting in bridge beams at Indiana Ave. this week as part of the Loop 88 project in south Lubbock. As the city grows quickly, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is spending $155 million to turn FM 1585 from a two-lane road into a six-lane split freeway with frontage roads, bridges, and ramps.

Dianah Ascencio from TxDOT discussed the project's benefits, pointing out that the changes will make the area much less crowded. The area has been growing very quickly over the last few years, so she said, "This will definitely help traffic move through the area much better."

The bridge is improving, but there are still more steps to take before it can be opened. Crews still need to finish the deck, paving, and main lanes before the bridge can be used, which could take several months.

For now, Indiana Ave. will be closed to traffic from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night this week so that crews can safely place the beams. The intersection will stay open during the day, but north and south traffic will be redirected.

Travelers are asked to be careful in work zones and to pay attention to recent traffic changes, such as the fact that one-way frontage roads are now open both ways.