TxDOT changes aim to ease traffic near Abilene data center

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Growing traffic concerns for residents and businesses close to the new data center construction site have prompted TxDOT to make changes. As the struggle to find the best solution for those who live and work in the area continues, new efforts are being made to secure safety on the roadways.

Kimberly Demaris, the Office Manager for Central Comfort Heating & Cooling, works along Hayter Road and says that the traffic in this area has become increasingly problematic due to the new data center project, especially when Demaris is trying to head home for the day.

“When I first started coming here, I could go down without hardly any traffic. You can go home now, and it’ll probably be a block, block and a half of stop-and-go traffic. Getting across to that bridge is almost impossible. Two or three days a week, you’ll see three or four cars being pulled over by police officers getting tickets because they’re speeding right through,” Demaris shared.

Due to these increased issues, the Abilene Police Department, TxDOT and DPR Construction conducted a series of meetings to determine how best to reduce traffic and risks of accidents in these problem areas. Officer Brian Poynor of APD’s traffic division highlighted some of the solutions now being put into action.

“Out of those meetings, TxDOT has already reduced the speed limit here on Hayter Road. It’s also a no-passing zone. TxDOT will be implementing an all-way stop at Overland and Stanford, where Hayter Road intersects, and then also Overland and Stanford, where Shirley Road intersects,” Poynor explained.

With these efforts moving towards safer conditions for these areas, Hayter Road Resident David Lawhon said there are still risks present.

“You can see the edges of the road are deteriorating. Of course, this road ain’t that big, and then some people don’t know what side of the road is theirs. I’ve been run off the road a couple of times,” Lawhon recalled.

The new stop signs for the intersections at Shirley Road and Hayter Road along the I-20 frontage roads will be implemented and in place on October 8, 2025.