Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | August 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES RM 620 widening project construction delayed until 2028

COMPILED BY APRIL KELLEY & DANICA LLOYD

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE TxDOT updated the timeline for the RM 620 widening project after the delay.

END PROJECT LIMITS OF CURRENT SCHEMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY (HUDSON BEND ROAD)

HUDSON BEND RD.

LAKE TRAVIS

OAK GROVE BLVD.

Oct. 10, 2018

First open house

necessary right of way to clear space for the widening project.” The overview: TxDOT proposed improvements to RM 620 South between Hwy. 71 and Hudson Bend Road, which will address safety and mobility concerns along that section of the road, according to TxDOT. Improvements will include: • Widening the existing four-lane divided rural roadway to a six-lane divided urban roadway by adding a third travel lane in each direction • Adding raised medians • Adding a continuous bike/pedes- trian shared-use path along the corridor

Due to a lack of funding, con- struction for the RM 620 widening project has been delayed until 2028, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Background: When TxDOT held a public hearing Feb. 20, 2020, the con- struction on RM 620 was anticipated to start in late 2022. However, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization voted Feb. 20, 2020 to defer funding the RM 620 project as well as others, TxDOT Public Infor- mation Officer Bradley Wheelis said. Quote of note: “Since that time, TxDOT has been actively seeking funding for the RM 620 South project,” Wheelis said. “In the mean- time, TxDOT has been purchasing Bee Cave sets maximum speed limit for Vail Divide Bee Cave City Council at a meet- ing Aug. 8 approved an ordinance setting the maximum speed limit for Vail Divide at 40 mph. The gist: Starting at the southern intersection of Hwy. 71 and Vail Divide and continuing to the inter- section with Hamilton Pool Road, the speed limit will be 40 mph.

LAKEWAY

Second open house

Early 2019

END OF PROJECT LIMITS FUNDED FOR CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN FY 2022 (OAK GROVE BLVD.)

620

Early 2020

Public hearing

THE HILLS

COLORADO RIVER

Environmental finding

Mid-2020

2244

3238

Construction start

FY 2028

PROJECT START

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SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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need for improvements to RM 620, according to TxDOT. Because RM 620 South functions as a commuter highway and a local thoroughfare, it is the only access to schools, businesses and subdivisions as well as the primary access to the Lake Travis area.

Due to the need for more travel capacity, mobility and safety, CAM- PO’s 2040 Regional Transportation Plan calls for the road to be upgraded to a six-lane divided highway. According to TxDOT, the total cost of the entire project is approximately $202 million.

Some context: Significant traffic congestion is a major factor in the

TxDOT offers back-to-school safety tips

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As students prepare to head back to school, the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be cautious in school zones and around school buses to help keep students safe. Keep in mind: • Be prepared for potential traffic pattern changes around school campuses. • Pay attention while behind the wheel. • Yield to pedestrians in

crosswalks. • Drop off and pick up students in the school’s designated area. • Obey school zone speed limit signs. • Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and school buses. • Watch out for children getting on and off buses. • Stop for flashing lights or stop signs on school buses no matter what direction you’re headed. • Children walking or biking to school should follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.

BEE CAVE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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