Cedar Park considers new transportation master plan

Within six months, Roberts said he intends to have a firm, prioritized list of roadway projects.

"Just because you have a matrix that ranks these projects based on all of these criteria doesn't mean you necessarily build them in that order," Roberts said. "It provides a starting point or the guideline to do an in-depth financial analysis over the feasibility or funding of a project. It really boils down to two things: How badly is it needed, and can we afford it?"

Finding the funds

Traditionally, the city has funded road construction independently in collaboration with Williamson County or through grants, said Josh Selleck, Cedar Park's other assistant city manager. The city also has about $24 million left from the 2007 bond election intended for upcoming transportation projects.

"All of those funding methodologies are still available," Selleck said. "Obviously, any of those partnerships would have to be decided in the future."

Joint city-county funding for roadways has been common in recent years. Both entities approved a $5 million interlocal agreement in November for road improvement projects, including work at the Lakeline Boulevard and Cypress Creek Road intersection.

Since February, Commissioners Court has discussed the possibility of a bond election in November, which could help fund some of Cedar Park's master-planned roads. Voters approved the last county bond election in 2006 for $250 million.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said the county will appoint a citizens task force to determine a number of factors, including the need for a bond election, the amount, what projects to include and whether those projects should be funded by the county or in conjunction with municipalities.

"In addition to seeking input from the citizens task force, we are also seeking input from the cities, as was done in 2006, regarding their priorities," she said.

Importance of mobility

Some road projects could also be funded by the appreciation of taxable properties in Cedar Park, Selleck said, and the addition of new taxable value.

"Projects that come up will be supported by growth of the tax base, build-out of the commercial corridor or other funding mechanisms," he said.

However, growth is why Cedar Park needs new and refreshed road options, Roberts said.

"Based on traffic counts we have on [US] 183, approximately two-thirds of the traffic on old [US] 183 is traffic not originating in Cedar Park, i.e. Leander, Liberty Hill and points [farther] north. That's significant. It's a very big number," he said.

Alleviating traffic congestion on US 183 is important to improving mobility, he said.

"With that kind of cut-through traffic, it makes it challenging to implement a redevelopment plan on old [US] 183," he said. "I think if we could somehow find a way to calm traffic on [US] 183, this would help with our efforts to redeveloping that corridor."

Residents can contribute to the transportation master plan by contacting city staff or a member of City Council, Roberts said.