San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | January 2022

TRANSPORTATION

2 0 2 2 A N N U A L C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E

OTHER PROJECTS TO FOLLOW IN 2022

TOP STORY TO WATCH IN 2022

Projects planned and underway to accommodate Hays County growth

FORECASTING THE FUTURE

2001

As the growth continues to boom in Hays County, these are some projects that are expected to increase safety and mobility with more cars on the road. I-35 and Hwy. 123 expansion will widen the frontage road, rebuild lanes and reconstruct Hwy. 123 intersection

BY ZARA FLORES

SATTERWHITE RD.

pedestrian improvements, raise the northbound frontage road over the San Marcos River, widen the southbound frontage road over the San Marcos River and more. Another project in San Marcos that is slated to be completed in 2022 is a $14 million project along I-35 from Aquarena Springs Drive to River Ridge Parkway. The project is set to build a new north- bound exit ramp to River Ridge, relocate the existing northbound entrance ramp further south and reconstruct the northbound frontage road between Loop 82 and River Ridge. Moving north along I-35, another project set to be com- pleted in 2022 is another ramp-re- versal project in Kyle from RM 150 to Kyle Crossing. Lanes between entrance and exit ramps along the northbound frontage road in this stretch along I-35 will be extended, and portions of the frontage road will also be reconstructed. There will be changes to the ramp congu- rations, and a new bridge will be built over Plum Creek. With these two projects slated to be completed in 2022, Semora said they will be a big win and will mean much more safety for the area. Funding for all projects is provided by TxDOT and the Cap- ital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

In 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation broke ground and completed several projects throughout Hays County and along the I-35 corridor. The completion of the Posey Road project in San Marcos and the start of the Robert S. Light Boulevard extension project in Buda will improve mobility and safety, TxDOT public information ocer Bradley Wheelis said. Addi- tionally, projects have also been delayed due to inclement weather and material delivery delays as the country faces supply chain shortage issues. William Semora Jr., the South Travis/Hays County area engineer, said TxDOT recently broke ground on one of the biggest projects in Hays County, the I-35 and Hwy. 123 expansion project in San Marcos. Though the $107 million project will not be completed in 2022, ocials are excited to have the project underway. The project, part of the Mobil- ity35 Program that is meant to improve safety and mobility on I-35, will adjust and widen the frontage road, rebuild lane structures and bridges over the course of the next three years in seven phases. Portions of the north and southbound frontage roads will be constructed to add bicycle and

FM 2001 widening and road improvements A stretch of FM 2001 in Buda

connecting to I-35 is underway to be realigned and widened. FM 2001 will be a four-lane divided highway with bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks. Timeline: summer 2021-fall 2022 Cost: $6 million Funding sources: Hays County, Texas Department of Transportation

123

I-35 fromAquarena Springs Drive to River Ridge Parkway will relocate and reconstruct ramps and the frontage road

290

BEN WHITE BLVD.

RIVER RIDGE PKWY.

183

45 TOLL

I-35 fromRM 150 to Kyle Crossing will extend and reconstruct portions of the frontage road as well as recongure highway ramps

Capital Express South project This project is set to begin early 2022. The project will start at Ben White Boulevard in Austin and runs near the Hays County line. TxDOT expects the lanes added on I-35 will ultimately help with mobility and congestion throughout both counties. Timeline: Anticipated mid-2022 start Cost: $388 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

KYLE CROSSING

1626

150

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE? Learn more about all your plan options Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplements Prescription Drug Plans | Dental | Vision An independent broker licensed to work with multiple insurance companies, I can guide you to the right plan for you!

SHORT SEMESTER,

BIG IMPACT. New classes start in February & March.

CALL 512-905-5552 (TTY: 711)

Rachel Garner Licensed Insurance Agent rgarner.txagent@gmail.com

*Broker services are free. Commissions paid by insurance company. Premiums are required to be consistent regardless of where enrolled. No obligation to enroll.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JANUARY 2022