Future roadway plans up for discussion in Bee Cave at March 24 meeting

Diving in deeper

According to city documents, current traffic on Hwy. 71 and Hamilton Pool Road exceed capacity, and Bee Cave Parkway is approaching capacity. The creation of a Southwest Collector is intended to address mobility and safety in the area to improve traffic flow.

Four alternatives were initially proposed in October, but options have since been narrowed to three. All three traffic models assume Hamilton Pool Road is widened to four lanes in a typical section with a continuous two-way left-turn lane.

The option the city plans to review, Option 3, aligns to meet at the Bee Cave Elementary School driveway and includes one signalized intersection, rather than two nearby intersections. Option 1 was excluded because it crossed over into a floodplain, while Option 2 was removed for crossing into floodplains and potentially exacerbating local traffic issues.

“Across the scenarios, the exhibit shows that installing a traffic signal at the southern driveway and widening Hamilton Pool Road significantly reduces delays and shortens queues at both school entrances,” a report from TxDOT states.

City Council will meet March 24 at 6 p.m. to discuss the issue at City Hall, located at 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave.

Citizens wishing to speak at the meeting do not need to sign up in advance, and sign-in sheets are available at the meeting, according to the city’s website.