The background
In 2020, a warrant study indicated full signalization was required at Vintage Way, leading to the installation of traffic lights, said David Vollbrecht, assistant engineer at the Comal County Engineer’s Office.
The Texas Department of Transportation required a traffic impact analysis for the area, Vollbrecht said. Studies were conducted to determine whether the development, particularly the increase in the number of lots in the master-planned community, would necessitate signalization, he said.
Subsequently, in 2023, an updated study showed, due to additional units built in the master-planned community, more traffic signals were warranted, Vollbrecht said.
The action taken
Despite the updated study not recommending full signalization, concerns were raised about commercial development in the area, Vollbrecht said, thus it was decided that TxDOT would accept a flashing beacon instead.
Vollbrecht said a donation agreement has been finalized with Southstar, allowing for the release of surety, which is a formal acknowledgment and termination of a surety bond or security provided for a project, indicating contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
TxDOT is now managing the project, and they express confidence in its completion, Vollbrecht said.
What’s next?
With TxDOT taking over the project, the next step is the installation of the flashing beacon within the next few months, as agreed upon in the donation agreement with SouthStar, Vollbrecht said.
No definite timeline for the installation has been given at this time.
