Lake Travis ISD moved forward with the Vail Divide southern extension project, approving an engineering contract during a March 25 board meeting.

Travis County and LTISD entered into an interlocal agreement Jan. 15 on the Vail Divide southern extension project, which includes the construction of a roadway and bridge between Hamilton Pool Road and Hwy. 71 to relieve traffic congestion. Per the terms of the agreement, LTISD’s cost will not exceed $2.5 million.

The roadway project will provide additional access to LTISD’s Bee Cave Middle School, and per the terms of the agreement, the district will be responsible for the management and development of the project.

According to Amber King, the district’s general counsel, minor changes are still being made to the contract presented during the board meeting. However, she said the terms presented will be very similar to what is officially approved.

The contract with engineering firm Malone Wheeler totals $1.2 million, which will be allocated from the district’s Vail Divide capital projects fund. The initial estimate highlighted within the contract first draft came in slightly lower at $1,136,500.