Round Rock Edition | September 2024

Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

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N. RED BUD LN.

City moves forward with Red Bud project A project to expand North Red Bud Lane to a four-lane road will begin in November, according to state documents. The details In addition to expanding the lanes, project features include improving the intersection, constructing a storm drain, and adding continuous sidewalks and lighting. The project is scheduled to wrap up in April 2026.

Data-collection vehicles will travel Round Rock roads to survey street conditions.

COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

Data collection vans to survey Round Rock roads The city of Round Rock will soon use mobile data collecting services from Roadway Asset Services to inventory road conditions. The specics RAS is an Austin-based company that provides Gary Hudder retires from director post Round Rock Director of Transportation Gary Hudder retired Aug. 2 after 13 years with the city. A new position will combine oversight of the Round Rock Transportation Department and the Utilities and Environmental Services Department. The details Hudder was honored at a City Council meeting July 25 for his service to the city. He came to Round Rock as the director of transportation in 2011 after working in the private sector. During his time as director, he helped lead projects like the Creek Bend Boulevard extension as well as assisted in improving streets and trac in downtown Round Rock. Looking forward Michael Thane, who has served as the Director of Utilities and Environmental Services Department since 2006, will now oversee both departments as the executive director of public works.

data collection services to local and state govern- ments. Its vehicles are xed with precision tools to help governments manage road infrastructure. What residents need to know Residents can expect to see vans equipped with digital cameras and other tools traveling during daylight hours throughout all roads maintained by the city. The images will be used to assess pavement condition and help contribute to Round Rock’s street maintenance program. Environmental work set for Heritage Trail East The city of Round Rock is moving forward with plans for the Heritage Trail East Project, after City Council approved a contract for engineering work Aug. 8. The project furthers a plan to create a 20-acre public park just outside downtown. About the project The Heritage Trail East project includes improvements to land along Heritage Circle, from Mays Street to Georgetown Street near Brushy Creek. This portion of the trail will eventually feature a playground and a pedestrian bridge over the creek, according to city documents. The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Depart- ment was awarded a $6.3 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation last October, which will cover 80% of the costs. The other $1.6 million comes from the city’s 2023 voter-ap- proved park bonds. The update Projects utilizing federal grants require extra environmental work, Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation David Buzzel

HERITAGE TRAIL

BRUSHY CREEK

said. City Council approved a $123,756 contract with multidisciplinary rm BGE Inc. to conduct engineering services. BGE has done similar work for other cities, according to the company, and specializes in guidance for compliance with federal regulations. Looking forward The city approved a contract with Design Work- shop in February to plan the downtown public park project dubbed the Lawn at Brushy Creek. The project is intended to connect the Heritage Trail to Sheppard Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, bring pedestrians and cyclists to downtown, and also address stormwater issues, according to city documents.

ROUND ROCK EDITION