Waco Residents Frustrated by Construction Detours

New roadwork on Circle Road is causing traffic issues and safety concerns for local residents.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Construction on Circle Road in Waco, Texas has begun as part of the larger MY35 project, leading to road closures and detours that are causing problems for nearby residents. Local resident Alicia Robinson says the detours are bringing more traffic to her quiet neighborhood, with drivers speeding and not obeying stop signs. The city says the construction will take about a month to complete as they work on utility improvements.

Why it matters

The ongoing construction and detours in Waco are disrupting the daily lives of local residents, particularly elderly and vulnerable community members. The increased traffic and speeding vehicles pose safety risks in what was previously a quiet neighborhood. This story highlights the challenges cities face in balancing necessary infrastructure projects with the needs and concerns of impacted residents.

The details

The construction on Circle Road at S. 23rd Street and Wood Avenue is part of the larger MY35 project that began a year ago and is expected to continue through 2029. The current work is expected to take one month to complete and has forced the closure of several streets, requiring drivers to find alternative routes. Local resident Alicia Robinson says she's seen an influx of unfamiliar drivers speeding through her neighborhood, not stopping at stop signs, and creating a dangerous situation, especially for the elderly residents in the area.

  • The MY35 project in Waco began almost exactly one year ago.
  • The current construction on Circle Road started this week.
  • The Circle Road construction is expected to take one month to complete.

The players

Alicia Robinson

A local resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 10 years and is concerned about the increased traffic and speeding caused by the construction detours.

The City of Waco

The local government overseeing the MY35 project and the current construction on Circle Road, which they say is part of ongoing utility improvements.

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What they’re saying

“More traffic people are not stopping at stop signs, people flying in areas they shouldn't be.”

— Alicia Robinson, Local Resident (kxxv.com)

“All of us are elderly stage...so the neighborhood is quiet, but we have Baylor students moving in they don't even fly down here.”

— Alicia Robinson, Local Resident (kxxv.com)

What’s next

The city has stated the Circle Road construction is expected to be completed within the next month, after which the traffic disruptions and safety concerns for local residents should subside.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges cities face in balancing necessary infrastructure projects with the needs and concerns of impacted residents. While the construction work is important for the larger MY35 project, the detours and increased traffic have created safety issues and disrupted the daily lives of the elderly residents in this Waco neighborhood.