Residents view current evacuation routes as too few in number

A group of residents in West Lake Hills have partnered with Michael Lacey, fire marshal of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 9, to raise funds in order to pave an exit near the northern end of The High Road to give residents a third route of escape during disasters such as wildfires.

Currently there are two evacuation routes for the more than 340 homes in the area—Westlake Drive via Toro Canyon Road and Westlake Drive via The High Road.

"That can be anywhere from 300–500 cars attempting to evacuate at the same time," project organizer Bill Wiman said.

Wiman said that there needs to be a third exit in order to relieve the congestion that would come in an emergency.

The proposed third route is owned by Dr. Steven Dell and would connect The High Road to the City of Austin water and wastewater facility near the Davenport Village shopping center. Public funds are not available for the project because the land is privately owned.

The group, which is not affiliated with a homeowners association, is looking to select a bid of $9,345.14 to pave the 300-foot distance and add ballards, or removable poles, to prevent everyday use. Dell has agreed to pay 15 percent of the funding with the rest being raised through personal donations.

"This is one specific project," Lacey said. "But down the road, this can act as a foundation for people who want more information or are looking for a way to generate funds for other projects."

Visit www.highroadfire.com for more information.