Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | February 2024

Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

Dozens of South Austin and Dripping Springs residents gathered Jan. 30 to view the Texas Department of Transportation’s newly unveiled plans to revamp a 13-mile stretch of Hwy. 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs. The meeting marked the rst major update on the project since 2019. The details The project will extend from RM 12 in Dripping Springs to RM 1826 in Southwest Austin, connect- ing to the Oak Hill Parkway construction project that is currently underway. TxDOT is proposing the following upgrades to the corridor: • Widen the corridor from four to six lanes • Add a divider between east- and westbound lanes • Eliminate stop lights • Add frontage roads, sidewalks and bike lanes The why TxDOT ocials said an uptick in trac congestion and severe crashes on Hwy. 290 spurred the need for road improvements. The 13-mile stretch of Hwy. 290 saw 1,501 crashes from 2019-2022, 4.8% of which were considered severe. The statewide average for similar roads is 2.8%, according to TxDOT. TxDOT also found that average peak hour trac volumes on the road are expected to jump 45% from 2019 to 2045 if no action is taken. TxDOT unveils 13- mile revamp plan for Hwy. 290

Austin and Dripping Springs residents gathered Jan. 30 to view the revamp of Hwy. 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs.

KATY MCAFEECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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among the 82 business owners that will have to relocate their workplaces. “I mean it’s not a bad thing intrinsically,” he said. “Everybody is [going to] have an ax to grind.” What’s next TxDOT will hold more public meetings this year. The nal design of the project, right-of-way acquisi- tions and construction date are to be determined.

“I think it’s very much needed,” Dripping Springs resident Mark Penton said. “I mean you can see the growth out here. I’ve been here 26 years; the growth is ridiculous, and it’s getting worse.” What else? If the project moves forward, TxDOT will displace 13 residences, 82 businesses and a church. Co-founder of Hard AF Seltzer Dan Hollaway is

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