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Work Begins on Highland Strip Walkability Upgrades

The $6 million project aims to upgrade the area’s walkability.

The Highland Strip is getting a pedestrian-friendly facelift as work began last week on a $6 million project from Midland to Southern.  

The project will calm traffic along the strip, aiming to improve safety for all, especially pedestrians. Improvements will include a raised traffic table at the intersection of Midland and Highland. The device raises the entire wheelbase of a vehicle to reduce its traffic speed. A new mast arm traffic signal will direct traffic at the intersection. 

The project will bring two new signalized crosswalks on Highland, as well. It also includes raised medians with plantings, new street trees, new sidewalks, and landscaping along both the east and west sides of the roadway, asphalt paving, and new streetlights.

“This project will be totally transformational for the Highland Strip and the surrounding neighborhoods, creating a much safer, walkable, and enjoyable environment,” said Cody Fletcher, executive director of the University Neighborhoods Development Corporation (UNDC). “We expect these improvements will help transform the area from its current use as a high-speed cut-through artery to a more pedestrian-friendly and neighborhood-centric atmosphere.”

UNDC and MFA, the project manager, funded the project with proceeds from the Highland Revitalization Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, with financing provided by FirstBanks.