City Government of Celina, Texas

Beginning Monday, June 8, Oncor will begin utility work to provide electrical service to the future Costco development in Celina.

As part of this work, utility poles will be installed within the City right-of-way along the north side of Ownsby Pkwy between Coit Rd and Preston Rd. Construction activities will take place in the area between the back of curb and the sidewalk.

Traffic control measures will be in place throughout the project, including flaggers on-site to assist motorists and maintain safe traffic operations. Traffic will continue to flow in both eastbound and westbound directions along Ownsby Parkway during construction activities. This work is anticipated to take approximately one month to complete, weather permitting.

The City encourages motorists to use caution when traveling through the work zone, follow all posted traffic control devices, and remain alert for construction personnel. Thank you for your patience as these infrastructure improvements support continued growth and development within the community.

Beginning June 8, SYB Construction, the City’s general contractor for the N. Oklahoma Dr Road Improvement Project, will commence roadway reconstruction activities along N. Oklahoma Dr between E. Pecan St and E. Beech St.

This phase of the project includes the reconstruction of the roadway with concrete pavement, the addition of parallel parking, and the installation of new concrete sidewalks to improve pedestrian accessibility, enhance safety, and increase the overall functionality of the corridor. To facilitate construction, N. Oklahoma Dr within the project limits will be fully closed to through traffic, and vehicles will not be permitted to cross the roadway during active construction operations. E. Beech St will remain open and accessible throughout the duration of the work.

Separately, utility improvement activities will continue along E. Malone St. To allow crews to safely complete this work, E. Malone St will remain fully closed between N. Louisiana Dr and N. Texas Dr during this phase of construction.

Construction activities for both projects are anticipated to occur Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with occasional Saturday work as necessary to maintain project schedules. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained from both N. Louisiana Dr and N. Texas Dr. A signed detour route will direct motorists from N. Texas Dr to E. Pecan St and around to N. Louisiana Dr while construction is underway.

These improvements represent a significant investment in the City’s transportation and utility infrastructure and are intended to enhance long-term mobility, pedestrian connectivity, and overall roadway conditions within the project area. The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during construction and will continue to provide updates as work progresses.

🚨 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 – 𝐅𝐌 428 & 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 🚨

Update 6:22pm: The roadway is back open!

The Celina Police Department is currently on scene of a 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 accident at FM 428 and Legacy Drive.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬:

• 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙈 428 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙘𝙉𝙖𝙗𝙗 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙚
• 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙈 428 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙈𝙘𝙉𝙖𝙗𝙗 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘿𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while first responders work the scene. Please use caution, expect delays, and follow all traffic control devices and directions from officers on scene.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to safely clear the roadway.

🚧 Traffic Alert: E. Frontier Pkwy Lane Closures Beginning June 4 🚧

Beginning Thursday, June 4, E. Frontier Pkwy between S. Preston Road and Preston Hills Circle will be subject to daily lane closures from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM as construction begins on a new turn lane serving the commercial development located at the northeast corner of the intersection.

Traffic control will be maintained with flaggers on-site, and traffic will continue flowing in both eastbound and westbound directions during construction activities.

This work is expected to continue for approximately one month, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the work zone and should expect minor delays.

Thank you for your patience as these improvements are completed.

As the City of Celina celebrates 150 years of history, we honor the people whose lives, service, and dedication have helped shape the community we know today. This year, we are proud to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone as Ralph O’Dell marks his 101st birthday this Saturday, June 6.

While reaching 101 years of age is a truly remarkable milestone, Ralph’s story is about much more than longevity. It is a story of service, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to something greater than himself.

Ralph’s journey of service began early. After graduating from Alla Hubbard High School at just 16 years old, he answered the call to serve his country during World War II, joining the United States Army and serving in the Pacific Islands. Following active duty, he continued that commitment through 50 years of service in the United States Army Reserve, dedicating decades of his life to supporting and defending the nation he loved.

Yet Ralph’s impact extends far beyond his military service.

For generations, he has been a familiar face in Celina - a volunteer, leader, mentor, and friend. Through civic involvement, community service, and nearly two decades managing the City's Senior Center, Ralph devoted countless hours to bringing people together and improving the lives of those around him. His impact on the senior community was so significant that the facility was later renamed the Ralph O’Dell Senior Center in recognition of his years of service and dedication to Celina’s residents.

The photograph accompanying this post captures more than three men standing together. It captures a generation defined by sacrifice, resilience, and service.

Pictured from left to right are Bud Phillips, Johnny Roufus, and Ralph O’Dell.

Bud Phillips, a Korean War veteran who served in the United States Navy, later dedicated approximately 19 years of service to the City of Celina as both Mayor and City Council member. In the center is Johnny Roufus, 101 years old, who served in the United States Army during World War II. On the right stands Ralph O’Dell, whose century of service to both country and community continues to inspire those who know him.

In addition to those pictured, we also recognize Walter Hunter, 104 years old, who attended the Memorial Day Celebration and served in the United States Marine Corps. Together, these veterans represent more than 390 years of life, leadership, sacrifice, and service. Their experiences span some of the most significant chapters in American history, yet their shared legacy can be found right here in Celina - in the organizations they strengthened, the people they mentored, and the example they set for future generations.

As Celina continues to grow, it is important that we remember the individuals who helped build the foundation of our community. The roads we travel, the traditions we celebrate, and the strong sense of community we enjoy today were shaped by people like Ralph, Johnny, Bud, and Walter, who believed in serving others before themselves.

Their stories remind us that true leadership is not measured by recognition or titles, but by the lives we touch, the opportunities we create for others, and the example we leave behind. Through military service, civic leadership, volunteerism, and decades of community involvement, these men have demonstrated what it means to live a life of purpose.

As we celebrate Ralph O’Dell’s 101st birthday during Celina’s 150th anniversary year, we also celebrate the values represented by Ralph, Johnny, Bud, and Walter - patriotism, humility, perseverance, leadership, and a deep love for community.

Their generation helped shape the world we inherited. Their example continues to shape the community we are building for generations to come.

Happy 101st Birthday, Ralph O’Dell. Thank you for a century of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Celina, your fellow citizens, and the United States of America.

TRAFFIC ALERT: N. ARIZONA DR CLOSURE
Beginning Monday, June 8, a small section of N. Arizona Dr will be temporarily closed to accommodate Timberlab’s mobilization efforts for the Downtown Center project. Providing this access will allow Timberlab to maintain its scheduled construction activities while crews continue progressing roof work on the project. The closure is anticipated to remain in place through August 7.

Motorists are encouraged to plan for minor traffic impacts in the area and follow all posted signage. We appreciate your patience and understanding as work continues on this important Downtown investment.