The details
The Hwy. 79 project will create a six-lane divided roadway with a raised median and shared-use paths from IH 35 to just past AW Grimes Boulevard. There will also be an overpass over AW Grimes, with at-grade intersections everywhere else. In the future, there are plans for a flyover at Mays Street, Director of Utilities Michael Thane said.
Because it is a state roadway, TxDOT will be responsible for at least 90% of right-of-way acquisition and dry utility relocations, with Round Rock responsible for the remaining 10%. TxDOT will also be responsible for all construction costs.
“That will be a large number because this is a big project,” Thane said at the meeting.
Some context
TxDOT first gathered public input for the Hwy. 79 improvements in Round Rock in 2018. Round Rock took on the preliminary engineering work, which will create schematic designs and identify ROW acquisition needs, in order to begin the process for the project, Thane said.
The city will come back to council in the summer of 2026 for a final engineering contract for work that will last into 2027.
“In the meantime we will be having continuous discussions with TxDOT,” Thane said.
Looking ahead
After HDR creates the initial design plans, the city will begin public outreach for the project.
“There will disruption not only to the traffic for our citizens but for the businesses you see along this route,” Thane said. “This project’s not going to happen quickly. It’s going to take several years.”
