After a year of construction, Trautwein Road headed towards Dripping Springs is now fully operational after crews installed the final touches on the road’s improvements this month, including a traffic signal and pedestrian railing. Road work concluded in mid-August.

The overview

A collaboration between Hays County and the Texas Department of Transportation, improvements are expected to improve visibility and safety at the intersection of Hwy. 290 and Trautwein Road.

Improvements included:

• Lowering Trautwein Road at Hwy. 290 to improve visibility
• Adding a dedicated right-turn lane from westbound Hwy. 290 to Trautwein Road
• Adding retaining walls to Trautwein Road
• Improving the intersection signal on Hwy. 290

According to county officials, the intersection has had numerous severe traffic accidents.

“As a commissioner, it's incredibly rewarding to see the completion of the [Hwy. 290] at Trautwein Road project—a critical improvement for our rapidly growing community,” Hays County commissioner Walt Smith said in a statement. “This collaboration with TxDOT improved safety and visibility at a major intersection and reflects our commitment to enhancing the infrastructure that serves Hays County today and for future generations.”

The $1.5 million project was funded partially through the 2016 voter-approved road bond program, with the remaining dollars paid for by TxDOT mobility grants.