As part of a larger plan to create a mixed-use town center, Bell Boulevard is proposed to be realigned along Old Hwy. 183.

The Texas Department of Transportation and city of Cedar Park held an open house Tuesday night at the Cedar Park Recreation Center to provide citizens with information and the opportunity to comment on the proposed Bell realignment. The project is currently in the preliminary design and engineering phase.

The realignment is intended to improve public safety and accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, according to a statement from TxDOT. Kevin Ramberg, principal ecologist for aci consulting, the environmental consulting firm working on the project, said the idea is to separate through traffic from business traffic.

TxDOT spokesperson Bradley Wheelis said the department is expected to take over management of the new roadway, or Old Hwy. 183, and the city of Cedar Park could take over management of the current portion of Bell. Documents from the open house indicate that Bell's current alignment could be developed into a cul-de-sac, after initially being striped as a two-lane road.

The documents state traffic flow changes are not expected to occur until late 2019 or 2020.

According to TxDOT and meeting documents, construction on the roadway could include:

  • moving current traffic from Bell to Old Hwy. 183;

  • widening Old Hwy. 183 from two to four lanes with a raised median;

  • creating center and right-turn lanes at intersections on Old Hwy. 183, or the new Bell;

  • building an 8- to 10-foot path on the new Bell; and

  • installing lighting and landscaping on the new Bell.


At the open house, attendees could ask questions, view displays and submit comments about the proposal. Information from the meeting can be found at www.cedarparktexas.gov/departments/engineering/city-project-updates.

Comments may also be submitted through April 4 via email at [email protected] or by mail at City of Cedar Park, 450 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613, Attn: Emily Truman, P.E.