This comes just four months after the city of Buda entered into an interlocal agreement with Hays County for the assessment, wherein the city is putting in $500,000 with the county paying for the remainder.
The gap within SH 45 lies between FM 1626 in Manchaca and I-35 in Buda, parts of which lie in both Hays and Travis counties. Following contract approval last August, Travis County Commissioners penned a letter to the Hays County Commissioners stating their explicit disapproval of the project and their action, citing the environmental impact the project would have on the Edwards Aquifer.
The study has since begun with a meeting of all entities involved, including both counties, the city of Buda and property owners within the study boundaries. Other factors that are being assessed within the study include the aquifer and flood plains.
While all the land is already owned, parts of it are still vacant and other parts are developing, with at least 3 active projects underway.
Stacey Benningfield of STV, the prime consultant firm and project manager, said they are trying to get ahead of the development so there is flexibility in the potential road design and plan.
“At some point, that entire area build outs, it becomes very difficult then to get the infrastructure in place, it’s hard to retrofit this type of infrastructure into a built out environment,” Benningfield said.
The feasibility study is expected to take two years to complete, followed by years of subsequent studies, design and right-of-way acquisition and construction, for an estimated 12-year time frame at best.
There will be a follow-up open house late this summer or early fall that will bring together the feedback provided and offer some potential routes for the road for additional input from the community. Residents can find more information about the project, view maps and provide feedback at www.sh45gap.com
Residents can submit comments and feedback through June 30 by:
- Email [email protected]
- Call or text 512-400-6107
- Mail SH 45 Gap Study, PO Box 5459, Austin, TX, 78763
