Travis County plans to use project savings from the 2001 bond to fund preliminary engineering to improve the RR 620/Steiner Ranch Boulevard intersection.

There is no traffic signal at the intersection because of its proximity to the RR 620/Comanche Trail intersection.

County staff proposed realigning 1,200 feet of Steiner Ranch Boulevard to intersect with Comanche Trail, creating a four-way intersection at RR 620.

"Doing so would put all of the traffic at a signalized intersection and provide secondary access out of Steiner Ranch in the event of an emergency again," said Steve Manilla, transportation and natural resources county executive.

Preliminary engineering would cost an estimated $100,000. The county may pay for the project through budgeting or including it in a future bond referendum.

Harrison Lobdell, vice chairman of the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association, called the proposal "a reasonable solution which will improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor."

"We have been talking to county and [Texas Department of Transportation] officials for quite some time about trying to improve the RR 620 corridor, and this is one of the suggestions that we made," he said.

Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the use of funds.