The Travis County-owned road intersects with FM 973, crosses SH 130 and feeds into Tesla’s gigafactory in the eastern part of the county. Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion said the name change represents an example of the positive impact the county’s partnership with the carmaker could have on the community.
“This vote is one for progress,” Travillion added.
A road sign along SH 130 was already changed in late 2021 to Tesla Road prior to Travis County’s approval. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for road signs on SH 130, a Travis County official said.
According to TxDOT, the signs were put up prior to the name change receiving approval as a result of a miscommunication.
“Ordinarily, any name change to a roadway would first be approved by the county or city with jurisdiction. TxDOT, Travis County and Tesla have been in constant communication about infrastructure during construction of the factory off of Harold Green Road. As the result of a miscommunication, the Tesla Road signs were purchased by Tesla and placed on SH 130 before the county officially signed off. TxDOT will await direction from the county regarding the signage and name change,” a TxDOT statement from December said.
However, now that the name has officially been changed to Tesla Road, Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said that the name Harold Green Road could be used for a newly constructed road in the area.
“I just want to make sure that the public hears that the name Harold Green Road is not going away,” Shea said.
