Harker Heights traffic will be heading in a new direction according to a city council meeting Tuesday night. In this week’s meeting, the council unanimously passed a $4.4 million resolution authorizing an agreement with the City of Killeen and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that would alter traffic flow and use of sections of access ramps to Highway 190. 

Changes include reversal of west-bound service ramps and addition of a lane between FM 2410 and FM 3470 and widening the approaches “to FM 2410 overpass to allow for two left turn lanes across the bridge and in front of Market Heights,” according to the resolution.

With the approval of the council, the city will be responsible for more than $800,000 of the budgeted cost, which does not exceed the $1 million budgeted for 2008-2009 Capital Improvement Projects.

The City of Killeen is expected to shoulder more than $1 million for the project and TxDOT is projected to contribute more than $2.5 million, which is $500,000 more than the state agency had budgeted.

When faced with concerns where the extra money will come from, City Manager Steve Carpenter was confident in TxDOT’s ability to contribute the funding.

“TxDOT’s reasonable when you approach them for a project,” Carpenter said.

The council also approved Bell Contractors for the upcoming Phase 2 Annexation Waterline Project. The resolution passed unanimously as Bell succeeded in bringing the lowest bid to the table.

“I’m very impressed with the city’s ability to save on bids,” Councilman John Reider commented after the decision.

During citizen presentations, local resident Charles Stone discussed concern for the use of Memory Lane and the potential of a speed limit change and closure of the Memory Lane cul-de-sac.

Stone said that since the roadway was opened truck traffic has increased and he has observed motorcycles speeding through the residential area.

“Some child or something’s going to be hurt,” he said.

Police Chief Mike Gentry addressed Stone’s presentation, saying “Speed limits do not determine the speed of drivers. It’s the other way around.”

In other business, the council

• Approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the City of Belton concerning adjustment of extraterritorial jurisdiction boundaries.

• Approved a request for alcohol to be served at the “Volunteer/Staff Christmas Party” of the Greater Killeen Free Clinic at the Activities Center in December.

• Postponed the resolution for the naming of the walking trail at the FM 2410 Community Park.

The council put off naming the trail, which is slated to be named after Kyle Hilliard, until the July 28 meeting.

The council will next meet on July 21 at 3 p.m. for a workshop.