City Completes 3.71 Lane Miles of Street Improvements in July 2026

Published on August 25, 2026

Photo caption: Burney Road was improved from Northeast Green Oaks Boulevard to the City Limits in July 2026.

By Amberley Shelby, Public Works Communications

In July 2026, the City of Arlington completed approximately 3.71 lane miles under the street maintenance program. 

Completed Streets

In all, 1.94 lane miles were improved under 2025 Mill and Overlay Program. 

• UTA Boulevard/Border Place (Cooper Street to Mesquite Street)

The asphalt roadway surface was milled down two inches and then repaved with a new asphalt surface. This method is for streets in mid-average OCI rating, and the road base is in good condition. These are typically considered “yellow” streets. Concrete repairs to curb, gutter, driveway approaches, and valley gutters were included in the improvements.

A total of 1.77 lane miles were improved under the 2026 Reclamation Program.

• Burney Road (Northeast Green Oaks Boulevard to City Limits)
• Russell Curry Road (Eden Road to US-287 Frontage Road)

The entire existing asphalt pavement structure was pulverized to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Then the road base material under the pavement was mixed with lime/cement stabilization to ensure the new road base has the proper density to support the new asphalt surface. Asphalt is then repaved at a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This method is used for streets that have a poor OCI rating or are considered “red” streets. 

Photo caption: Russell Curry Road was improved from Eden Road to US-287 Frontage Road in July 2026.)

How is Street Maintenance Funded?

Street improvements in July were funded by the City’s Street Maintenance Sales Tax Program.

A quarter-cent street maintenance sales tax, first approved by Arlington voters in 2002, is the primary funding source for day-to-day roadway maintenance operations for the City’s 3,007 lane mile street network. This dedicated sales tax generates about $25 million to $30 million annually, which typically accounts for 90% of Arlington’s annual street maintenance budget. Only about 10% of the street maintenance budget is supported by the General Fund.

This dedicated funding source for street renewal and maintenance projects was approved by Arlington voters May 2, 2026, and has been renewed to expire on December 31, 2034.

How is a Street Selected for Maintenance?

Arlington collects data on roadway conditions in a variety of ways, including an annual pavement survey, to help prioritize street repairs. This Overall Condition Index (OCI) uses a color code system—red, yellow, and green—to indicate pavement conditions on a 0 to 100 scale. Street segments with an OCI score less than 50 are considered “red” and in need of a complete rebuild. Segments with a rating of 50 to 69.99 are considered “yellow” and are considered for inclusion in the Street Maintenance Program. Segments rated 70 or higher are considered “green” and do not require maintenance. Street maintenance improvements across the city have nearly 80% of Arlington's roadway network to be maintained at the green or yellow level rating.

Factors Affecting Roadway Conditions

Roads wear out over time from everyday traffic, heavy vehicles, weather, and other environmental factors. In North Texas, the soil under our streets also plays an important role. Arlington has mostly clay soil, which swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries. This movement puts stress on the pavement and can cause cracks. Once cracks form, water can get into the layers below the street, weakening the roadway, and speeding up damage. This makes water one of the leading causes of pavement failure.

Because clay soil weakens and damages roadways quicker, repairs are needed much sooner and more often. The additional roadway repairs increase maintenance costs.

To help reduce soil impacts, the City has invested in stronger soil preparation standards during construction since 2009. These standards increase construction costs but help to create a more stable base for streets and reduce damage from moisture, which helps roads last longer and perform better.

How Can I Make a Street Maintenance Request?

See a street in your neighborhood that needs repairs? Contact the Public Works front desk at 817-459-6550 or Submit a Street Maintenance Request through the Public Work webpage or Ask Arlington app.

Photo caption: UTA Boulevard/Border Place was improved from Cooper Street to Mesquite Street in July 2026.