1. The Texas Department of Transportation is conducting a long-term feasibility study on RM 2243 between I-35 in Georgetown and Toll183A in Leander to determine possible roadway improvements. The study does not impact traffic on RM 2243 and will cost TxDOT $710,719. Timeline: February 2015-fall 2017

  2. The city of Georgetown is developing a plan to make repairs to the Austin Avenue bridges. The bridges are structurally sufficient, but city officials have said their load-bearing limits could be increased. City staff has identified five potential options to undertake upgrades of the bridges. Timeline: Public meeting to discuss options will be held in late 2017

  3. I-35, Austin Avenue, University Avenue paving projects TxDOT will begin repaving projects on several roads in Georgetown in August: University Avenue from I-35 to Inner Loop, expected to finish in November; Austin Avenue from Williams Drive to Lakeway Drive, expected to finish by the end of August; and the I-35 northbound frontage road from University to Williams Drive, expected to finish by the end of August. Timeline: August-November

  4. FM 1460 widening Construction continues to widen FM 1460 to a four-lane, divided roadway from Quail Valley Drive in Georgetown to just north of University Boulevard in Round Rock. Right of way acquisitions have been completed, and all city utilities in the project area have been relocated. Timeline: February 2016-spring 2018

  5. Northwest Boulevard overpass Design and engineering are underway for the construction of an overpass across I-35 to connect Northwest Boulevard with Austin Avenue and FM 971 in order to relieve congestion at the intersection of Austin Avenue and Williams Drive. The overpass and additional surface roads will also provide more direct access to Georgetown High School and SH 130 by way of FM 971. Timeline: Construction scheduled to begin in mid-2019

  6. Williams Drive corridor improvements Georgetown City Council approved the final draft of the Williams Drive corridor project in July. The project aims to improve mobility on one of the city’s most congested roadways. Initial improvement will focus on relieving traffic as well as improving access for pedestrians and cyclists and aesthetic upgrades. Timeline: plan includes project timelines from zero to four, five to 10 and 11 or more years

    How It Works

    Blue highway signs are part of TxDOT program

    Travel-related businesses looking to get their slice of the $68 billion annual direct travel industry in Texas can participate in the Texas Department of Transportation’s Logo and Directional Signs Program. The blue advertising signs drivers see on the sides of Texas highways are a result of the program.

    Business owners can lease space on the signs to place a logo at a cost ranging from $900-$3,250 per year for main lane signs and $150-$750 per year for ramp signs. The cost is determined by the daily traffic count for the area.

    Only travel-related businesses—which include those selling gas, food or lodging; camping sites; 24-hour pharmacies; and those offering at least one primary motorist service—are eligible to participate in the program. Major shopping areas are also allowed to lease individual signs, according to LoneStar Logos & Signs, which partners with TxDOT to offer the Logo and Directional Signs Program.

    TxDOT requires that businesses are located no more than 3 miles from an eligible highway.