Williamson County officials celebrated the opening of East Wilco Highway segment 3 at a ribbon cutting ceremony June 20.

The newest segment, which officially opens to traffic June 21, is a part of a long-range project connecting SH 130 to north I-35.

"This road is going to bring economic development to this region in the county," Williamson County Judge Steven Snell said. "This road is going to make it a lot safer to travel for our school buses [and] for our first responders."

About the project

The scope of work included widening the existing two-lane FM 3349 and CR 101 roadways into a four-lane divided road, including bridges over Hwy. 79 and the Union Pacific Railroad. This segment also includes an interchange between Hwy. 79 and FM 3349/CR 101. Construction on segment 3 began in 2022.

"The best thing [is] it was completed on time," Snell said.

Funding for the project came from Williamson County voter-approved 2019 road bonds and the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT contributed $80 million in state funds for construction, according to the county.

"That road will help to ensure greater mobility and safety for more people [and] more businesses calling Texas their home," Executive Director of TxDOT Marc Williams said.

Looking ahead

Remaining segments of the highway are in various stages of planning and construction. In total, there are eight segments running from Jarrell to Hutto.