Some huge news for the city of Killeen.
After almost four years a downtown streetscaping project is finally underway.
Come Monday construction will begin on a 2.5 million dollar plan to give the downtown area a huge makeover.
Residents and business owners are excited about this new project bringing more business to the area.
New roads, new nights, this makeover is literally going to give the area a brand new look.
I think it's a very good idea, I think it's going to help a lot of these business that have closed," said Killeen resident Tara Smith.
For downtown property owners and Killeen residents like Tara Smith, this new project is something they've been waiting for for years.
"They want to come down just to relax and say, lets have a city dance occasionally in the streets like they use to when I was growing up," said a downtown property owner.
"You can always grow in different directions, but downtown tells the story of the community, it tells you what's authentic, and what the community is all about," said Senior Planner and Heritage Preservation Officer Jill Hall.
Once it's done the new version will have everything from pedestrian paths to easy access ramps for the handicapped.
But downtown isn't the only area that's going to get some sprucening up.
"The Andy K. Wells hike and bike trail is now behind the community center so this is going to stretch the rest along Avenue G, along the creek, and then into downtown," said Hall.
What the city is calling an investment for property owners, is being paid for by TxDOT federal funding.
Giving the city something that will not only bring business to the area, but hopefully bring the community together.
"I hope it gets better, and I hope that more people are attracted to Killeen, I hope more people show up and we get more business," said Smith.
Most of the construction work will be done at night so it doesn't interfere with businesses as much.
Traffic through the area is expected to be a bit of an issue, but they are providing additional temporary parking while the construction is underway.
