The Texas Department of Transportation’s RM 620 widening project has been delayed, with construction now set to begin as early as 2030, according to department representatives.

The overview

The project is estimated to cost $250 million, fully funded by TxDOT, and will see roadways between Hwy. 71 and Hudson Bend Road widened to six lanes with new medians. Shared-use paths will also be constructed for bikers and pedestrians along the corridor.

The first open house meeting for RM 620’s widening, in which TxDOT introduced Lakeway residents to the project, was held in 2018, at which point construction was expected to start in 2022, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

That start date has now been delayed by at least eight years, to 2030 or later, a TxDOT representative said Oct. 9.

The details

Finalization of a construction contract for the project is contingent on funding, which has previously been delayed due to prioritization of other projects, a TxDOT representative said.

“The RM 620 South project was among several projects deferred by [Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization] in 2020 to prioritize construction on I-35,” the representative said.

In August, Gov. Greg Abbott shared a 10-year transportation plan for TxDOT, which granted $249.3 million in funding to the RM 620 project. Funding is expected to be given between fiscal years 2026-2029, according to TxDOT.

What else?

The city of Lakeway, as part of its $17.5 million transportation bond passed in 2022, paid for 10% of the right of way acquisition for RM 620’s widening, with a maximum of $3.2 million dollars contributed.

Although costs have gone up for TxDOT on the project since it was first put forward, Lakeway’s share has not increased, City Manager Joseph Molis said at a Sept. 15 City Council meeting.