Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | February 2025

From the cover

183A extension to open in 2025

The details

Current situation

183A Phase 3 toll extension Bridges Shared-use path Nontolled frontage road lanes

The northwest region of Williamson County continues to see “unprecedented growth,” according to county ocials, with projections from the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, indicating considerable population increases by 2040 in both Leander and Liberty Hill, 271% and 44%, respectively. As a result, trac volumes along the 183A Toll corridor are expected to increase by 183% over the next 25 years, according to FHWA gures. Commuters in the area currently spend around 36 minutes on average traveling each way to work, which is 1.3 times higher than neighboring commuters in the Austin area, according to Census Bureau data. Local transportation ocials have dubbed the extension of 183A Toll lanes a “proactive congestion relief” project. The $259 million expansion, expected to open to vehicles early this year, aims to alleviate trac and provide a more reliable transportation option. being completed roughly seven years ahead of schedule. She explained that the “o the charts” growth in the area and regional planning done by the county has aorded the Mobility Authority means to push the project forward. Toll roads are funded by the revenue they generate, so the Mobility Authority cannot get too far ahead of growth, Long said. Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long said this third phase of toll roads is “I don’t see a whole lot of slowdown anytime soon,” she said, referring to western Williamson County. “Cedar Park, 25 years ago, was the hotbed for growth over here, and it’s just

continued to arch its way up [north].” As the tollway’s opening draws near, some residents question the potential impact the pay-for-play roadway may have on local commuters’ wallets. Tolls will cost around a dollar for each of the ve fare collection points on the tollroad extension. Those not wishing to pay toll costs are still able to use the 183 frontage roads. “Nobody loves to pay for their roadway experience, but we pay for it anyway. We pay for it through the gas tax,” Long said. “I think we are realists in that we recognize that the gas tax is a diminishing source of revenue, and so we have to look at all options. And tolls have to be a part of the conversation.” Regional transportation plans have included a toll alternative to US 183 since 1985, she said.

Pedestrian overpass Pedestrian underpass

Entry/exit ramp toll point

Main lane toll points

258

213

260

259

“One of the things that Williamson County has done that is unique and dierent from some of our neighboring counties is we have

South Whitewing Ramp: $0.76

North Whitewing Ramp: $1.02

183

endeavored to get out in front of the trac, rather than waiting until a roadway is failing,” CYNTHIA LONG, WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Whitewing Mainline Plaza : $1.29

266

WHITEWING DR.

LARKSPUR PARK BLVD.

Local sales tax revenue surges Sales and use tax revenue can be a strong indicator of a city's economic growth, especially when paired with increases in housing and commercial development.

GREEN VALLEY DR.

Leander

Liberty Hill

$11,530,217

$12M

270

279

$10M

BRYSON RIDGE TRL.

San Gabriel Ramp: $0.76

183A TOLL

$8M

$6,422,252

183

$6M

$3,032,393

$4M

$2M

$765,695

San Gabriel Mainline Plaza: $1.09

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM