Construction
Garner State Park to Close Southern Section for Construction Starting December
2024-11-26
UVALDE COUNTY, Texas - Garner State Park is on the verge of significant alterations that will commence in December. This extensive project aims to enhance the park's facilities and overall visitor experience. The southern section of the park will be closed from December 1st, enabling the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to complete crucial road construction and facility repairs. The anticipated completion date for these works is summer 2025, yet the park will have a limited reopening in March.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

According to Jaime Creacy, the regional director for Texas State Parks, once the construction is finished, visitors are expected to have a much better time when visiting Garner State Park. For instance, one of the key repairs that will be focused on is the scenic overlook on Park Road 29 along the Madrone Trail, which has been closed for an extended period of three years. The reopening of this overlook is highly anticipated as it will allow visitors to once again immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.The closure will affect several areas within the park. Pecan Grove and Oakmont camping loops along with the cabins will be closed. The Pavilion, Park Store, Garner Grill, day-use picnic area, Frio River dam, and Rock beach will also be part of the closure. Additionally, all trails except the Nature Trail and the Frio Canyon Trail will be inaccessible during this time.

Still Open Areas During Construction

Despite the closure, there are still several areas that visitors can enjoy. Over 200 campsites at River Crossing, Shady Meadows, Rio Frio campground, Live Oak, and Persimmon Hill campgrounds will remain open. The Cypress Springs Group area and group hall will also be available for use. Moreover, visitors can explore 3.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, engage in interpretive programming and activities, and visit the playscape and the bird-viewing blind.Garner State Park is located at 234 RR 1050 in Concan, which is about 32 miles north of Uvalde. For more details about the park and the closure, visitors can click here.The park's transformation is a significant step towards providing a more enjoyable and sustainable outdoor experience for visitors. With the completion of these construction projects, Garner State Park is set to become an even more appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Building a Better 82nd: November 2024 - Construction Updates
2024-11-27
December 2 – 13 witnessed a flurry of construction activities along NE/SE 82nd Avenue. PBOT is actively working in eight different work zones, emphasizing the need for safe travel around these zones and strict attention to flaggers and traffic control devices.

Stay Informed About 82nd Avenue Construction

Between NE Sandy and SE Division Streets

Four active construction work zones are spread along 82nd Avenue in this area. These are highlighted in light yellow on the map and include sections between NE Beech and Fremont streets, as well as at the intersections of NE Siskiyou, SE Ash, and SE Mill streets. The ongoing construction efforts are crucial for the development and improvement of this part of the avenue.

Contractors are working diligently to ensure the smooth progress of these projects, with each phase contributing to the overall enhancement of the infrastructure.

Between SE Mill and Lambert Streets

Five active construction workzones can be found on 82nd Avenue in this stretch. These are also marked in light yellow on the map and encompass SE 82nd Avenue at intersections such as SE Mill, Clinton, Schiller, Raymond, and Ogden to Knapp streets. The scale and complexity of these workzones demand careful management and coordination.

The construction teams are focused on delivering high-quality results while minimizing disruptions to the daily lives of the local residents and commuters.

82nd Avenue Pedestrian Crossings

Contractors with PBOT have successfully completed the concrete work for the median island at 82nd Avenue and Schiller Street. Tree planting is scheduled to take place next week, adding a touch of greenery to the area.

Upcoming construction activities in this regard include lane closures and side street closures at intersections with construction activity. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the pedestrian crossings.

82nd Avenue Major Maintenance Project

Contractors with PBOT are preparing to install a concrete sump at SE Harrison Street and SE 82nd Avenue. These large underground tanks play a vital role in managing stormwater and improving drainage.

Upcoming construction activities include underground stormwater work at NE Siskiyou, which will require intersection flagging and result in traffic delays. Similar activities are planned at SE Mill with underground stormwater work and at SE Raymond with underground utility work (sidewalk work).

The traveling public can expect traffic delays at traffic signals at NE/SE 82nd Avenue at NE Siskiyou and SE Mill streets from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. However, traffic and turning movements in all directions will be maintained to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Brentwood-Darlington Safe Routes to School Project

Contractors with PBOT have completed striping at SE 82nd Avenue and Knapp Street, and the signal is expected to be activated soon. Construction of a new signalized crossing and other improvements at the intersection of SE 82nd Avenue and Knapp Street is nearing completion.

Striping has been installed, and the new signal for pedestrians and cyclists at 82nd Avenue and Knapp Street has undergone inspection and testing. The sidewalk on the west side of SE 82nd Avenue between SE Knapp and SE Ogden streets has been widened to create a multiuse path, connecting a new Neighborhood Greenway.

Periodic lane closures on 82nd Avenue will be necessary during the installation, inspection, and testing phases. Work is anticipated to wrap up in early December.

82nd Avenue Signal Timing for Safety

PBOT's initial signal timing improvements along NE/SE 82nd Avenue have been completed. By reviewing signal timing and operations at the 29 existing traffic signals within the city of Portland limits, PBOT has made adjustments to reduce high end speeds, especially at night.

With these adjustments, travelers driving at the speed limit get a green light, while those going faster encounter red lights more frequently. Flashing yellow left turn arrow operations have been returned to signals, with a new focus on improving pedestrian access and safety while providing permissive left turns from 82nd Avenue.

PBOT will continue to make adjustments to the signal timing and operations with the goal of further reducing the highest speeding drivers. In addition, they are exploring "rest-on-red" operations at specific locations along 82th Avenue.

Building a Better 82nd Plan Document

After two years of planning and public engagement, the Building a Better 82nd Avenue plan is now available online. This comprehensive document brings together past plans, current projects, and future projects, outlining a practical and visionary approach to improving safety and maintenance on this important Portland street.

The plan will be presented to the Portland City Council on Wednesday, December 4, marking an important milestone in the development of 82nd Avenue.

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Six Flags Great America: Update on Record-Setting Coaster Construction
2024-11-27
Though the cold temperatures have currently closed Six Flags Great America for the season, thrill seekers are in for a treat as they get a sneak peek of what's in store for next summer. The park's upcoming ride, "Wrath of Rakshasa," is making significant progress with the arrival of more track.

Experience the Record-Breaking Dive Coaster at Six Flags Great America

Construction Progress and Key Features

Among the pieces of track that have arrived in Gurnee is the crown of the coaster's drop. This remarkable element will plunge riders an astonishing 171 feet at a 96-degree angle, providing an adrenaline-pumping start to the ride. The upcoming ride will feature three rows of seats with seven seats across, ensuring a comfortable yet thrilling experience for all. It will reach top speeds of 67 miles per hour, and what's more, it will invert riders five times, setting a new record for a dive coaster.

This coaster marks a significant milestone for the park as it is the first new roller coaster since Maxx Force opened in July 2019. With "Wrath of Rakshasa," Six Flags Great America now boasts 16 roller coasters, offering a diverse range of thrills to visitors. The attention to detail and the innovative design of this ride are sure to make it a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts.

Unique Selling Points and Rider Experience

The 171-foot drop at a 96-degree angle is not only a visual spectacle but also a heart-pounding experience. Riders will feel the rush of gravity as they plunge down, followed by the excitement of the five inversions. The three rows of seven seats provide ample space for families and groups to enjoy the ride together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The top speed of 67 miles per hour adds to the thrill, making each ride a fast-paced adventure.

For coaster lovers, "Wrath of Rakshasa" offers a unique combination of elements that sets it apart from other rides. The record-breaking inversions and the impressive drop make it a standout attraction in the park. Whether you're a seasoned coaster rider or a first-timer, this ride is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and excitement.

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