The gist
The project will construct a single ramp connecting westbound Hwy. 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard, with an anticipated completion timeframe of summer 2026, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said.
Reconfiguring the ramp aims to improve safety and mobility by providing a right-lane exit for drivers to directly access Ronald Reagan Boulevard instead of making a left hand turn across Hwy. 195 traffic to access the boulevard via Rattlesnake Road, according to a news release.
When officials widened and improved Hwy. 195 several years ago, Covey said a nearby rock quarry prevented crews from constructing a regular frontage road. With future economic development now planned near the intersection, Covey said accessing it without crossing over fast Hwy. 195 traffic will be “awesome.”
“As Williamson County grows, we continue to address the safety issues that our residents experience every day,” Covey said.
About the project
The estimated $3.6 million project is made possible through the 2019 voter-approved road bond and the Texas Department of Transportation, Covey said.
In the coming years, county and TxDOT officials will construct three additional ramps connecting Hwy. 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard, per the release. Construction on the remaining ramps is expected to begin in spring 2027, with funding possible through the 2023 voter-approved road bond.
“I can't emphasize how important all four ramps will be to this intersection,” Covey said. “I'm excited that we're going to be able to continue our road bond success.”
Put in perspective
Williamson County started its road bond program in 2000, and voters approved issuing long-term financing through the sale of bonds to fund major capital improvement projects, according to the county’s website.
In the 25 years since its inception, the program has resulted in 294 completed projects and constructed a total of 1,148 lane miles.
