Drivers traveling along Stagecoach Road are now seeing the results of a major infrastructure investment as the City of Killeen officially marked the completion of the first phase of roadway improvements with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday, Oct. 23.
Mayor Joseph Solomon, Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez, and City Council members Ramon Bass and Riakos Adams Kendrick joined Engineering Department staff at the project site to celebrate the completion of improvements along the stretch of Stagecoach Road between East Trimmier Road and W.S. Young Drive.
The project transformed a section of roadway that had shown signs of deterioration through a full-depth reconstruction effort. Rather than simply resurfacing the street, crews rebuilt the roadway from the ground up, replacing damaged pavement and creating a more durable driving surface designed to serve the community for years to come.
Funding for the project came through the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 Street Reconstruction Bond Program. A construction contract valued at approximately $7.7 million was awarded to JHL Construction, which completed the work.
City officials described the project as an important step in Killeen’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure throughout the city.
“This is an important step forward for Killeen as we continue making infrastructure improvements that serve our community today and prepare us for tomorrow,” Mayor Solomon said. “We know there is more work to do across our street network, and projects like this are part of the ongoing effort to address aging infrastructure and maintain the roads residents rely on every day.”
While city leaders celebrated the completion of the first phase, attention is already turning toward the next stage of improvements.
Phase 2 of the project will extend from W.S. Young Drive west to State Highway 195, continuing upgrades along the heavily traveled corridor. Engineering plans for that phase, prepared by Pape-Dawson Engineers, have been completed. The project carries an estimated construction cost of $12.6 million, and city officials had planned to seek construction bids in mid-August 2026.
Engineering Department Director Brent Zagars said the completion represents the culmination of years of planning and coordination among city staff, engineers, contractors and residents.
“This project has been a long time in the making, and we appreciate everyone who helped bring it across the finish line,” Zagars said. “The contractor did a great job, and the finished roadway looks great. We also appreciate residents’ patience throughout the process. Now, we can turn our attention to the next phase of improvements along Stagecoach Road.”
For residents and commuters who use the corridor daily, the newly reconstructed roadway delivers immediate benefits. For city leaders, it represents another step in a long-term strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and prepare for continued growth across Killeen.
Additional information about current and future infrastructure projects is available through the City of Killeen Engineering Department.
