The Texas Department of Transportation broke ground in July on the Oak Hill Parkway project in Southwest Austin and now faces a federal court challenge. If completed, construction will add lanes to Hwy. 290, remove traffic signals, and create flyovers throughout a 7-mile stretch along Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 290. The project faces resistance from some in the Oak Hill community. Opponents, led by Save Barton Creek Association and the Oak Hill Neighbors, have filed for an injunction to stop removal of sizable oak trees. Ultimately, the group wants a smaller-scaled project, according to the Save Barton Creek Association website. TxDOT has halted tree removal along part of the construction corridor in response to a notice sent July 30 from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.The court ordered tree removal stopped until a preliminary hearing can be held Sept. 2. The state project aims to add vehicle capacity in a rapidly growing region, according to TxDOT. The project will cost $674 million as part of the nontolled Texas Clear Lanes project, according to TxDOT.
Utility project underway along Hamilton Pool Road
Motorists traveling Hamilton Pool Road between Hwy. 12 and Hwy. 71 should drive with caution as crews from Texas Gas Service are working in the area for the next six weeks, said Christy Penders with OneGas, which is the parent utility of Texas Gas Service.
Utility crews are moving natural gas lines to prepare the way for a $13.7 million road project under the direction of the Texas Department of Transportation. Hamilton Pool runs south from Hwy. 71 to Hwy. 12 and beyond, eventually crossing the Pedernales River. The road project will extend from Hwy. 12 north to Hwy. 71, according to TxDOT.
Work along the 6.3-mile segment will add a 12-foot-wide center turn lane and 6-foot shoulders to increase safety as the number of cars on the roadway increases, according to information provided by TxDOT. State engineers estimate the number of vehicles traveling along Hamilton Pool will increase 38% to 31,850 vehicles per day by 2042. Construction of the additional lanes is estimated to take 16 months to complete
First bypass lanes open
The first section of a bypass road from RM 620 to RM 2222 opened July 19. Northbound motorists on RM 620 can use the bypass to access eastbound RM 2222. Southbound lanes are not yet open.
Timeline: 2019-22
183 North Project
The $612 million expansion will add two tolled lanes and two nontolled lanes in each direction along US 183 from MoPac to SH 45/RM 620.
Timeline: 2022-26
