Some proposed concepts to redesign the Y at Oak Hill where Hwy. 290 and Hwy. 71 intersect are moving forward as part of the ongoing Oak Hill Parkway environmental study to address long-term congestion.
About a year has passed since residents saw initial project ideas for the ongoing Oak Hill Parkway environmental study to address long-term congestion at the Y. Attendees of an open house June 17 saw how concepts have been refined and narrowed down based on public input received during the past several months, as well as other criteria.
Two designs—Concepts A and C—will be advancing to schematic development and evaluation as part of the ongoing development process, according to Rick L'Amie, manager of communications with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
"This is an ongoing process that began last year and will conclude next year with a final recommended preferred alternative as part of the environmental impact statement," he said, noting transportation authorities determined the two concepts moving forward best fit the purpose and need of the project.
Melissa Hurst, community outreach manager with the Mobility Authority, explained community members wanted to see the project extend past Circle Drive, and the Mobility Authority talked with Austin Community College about providing a better connection for ACC students. Both of the concepts include these features.
David Alford, who has lived in Oak Hill for 15 years, said he is glad to see the concepts extend past Circle Drive.
"Otherwise Circle Drive would have turned into a parking lot. it would have backed up [traffic]," he said.
Alford noted he has been in favor of a parkway project since he moved to the area. In the past, an earlier Texas Department of Transportation plan for an elevated toll road was proposed, but TxDOT's environmental study became outdated, funding was not secured and transportation projects were delayed.
"I moved down here based on a promise that funding was approved," Alford said. "And for them to stop it and say 'We're not going to do it' or 'We're going to tax you or toll you differently' to me was a break of the promise."
Resident James Hughes said he supports Concept A because it will be beneficial for his neighborhood, Aviara, which is located off of Old Bee Caves Road. One of the previous designs, Concept F, would have restricted his neighborhood's access to both roads, he said.
"[Concept A] gives us full access to [Hwy.] 71 and [Hwy.] 290 going both east and west. It gives us the same access we have now and it's actually an improvement because it's safer because now we can turn left going east on 290 and 71 without this dangerous left turn we have to make now; we get a protected U-turn," he said.
Aviara Homeowners Association President Robert Tobiansky said Concept C would not be as convenient as Concept A.
"It would take us more time, more gas, more resources the way it's designed is going to [require] more material, construction and labor. So we are leaning very heavily toward Concept A right now," he said.
Residents can provide comments online until June 27 as part of a virtual open house. More information about the project is available at www.oakhillparkway.com.
