A groundbreaking ceremony took place Wednesday in front of Oakwood Baptist Church to mark the beginning of a four-year road expansion project on Loop 337. The $42.3 million project will create a divided roadway with two lanes of travel in each direction, which will improve mobility and safety, officials said.

The expected time frame for the project is four years, and Hunter Industries was awarded the construction bid. “We look forward to Hunter Industry quality that we’ve seen in every one of your projects,” New Braunfels Mayor Barron Casteel said at the event.

Casteel said the project has been envisioned by the community for more than 60 years and is made possible by a partnership of several entities working together.

“This project is a great example of the importance and productivity of visioning and partnership,” said City Manager Robert Camareno in a statement. "...The present-day collaboration between [Texas Department of Transporation], the New Braunfels Industrial Development Corporation, the Alamo Area MPO, Comal County, ASA/Veramendi, Oakwood Church and the city of New Braunfels made it possible to initiate this critical infrastructure improvement ahead of schedule.”

Casteel said one portion of the project was not identified for funding until 2022, and the other portion was not identified for funding at all.

“What kind of planning is that, when the infrastructure is in place before the demand creates it?” Casteel said.

The Loop 337 groundbreaking ceremony rides on the heels of an award presented to The city of New Braunfels Planning and Community Development Department from the American Planning Association. The “Certificate of Achievement for Planning Excellence” recognizes the exceptional professional planning standards demonstrated by city staff and support for city planning exhibited by the city’s Planning Commission and City Council.