Walt Smith, Hays County Precinct 4 commissioner, reviews Dripping Springs Southwest Connection project materials with constituents. (Sienna Wight/Community Impact)
Hays County residents have the opportunity to provide feedback on an upcoming transportation project until Aug. 20.
The Dripping Springs Southwest Connection is intended to provide an alternative route to Hwy. 290, increase capacity and enhance connectivity as the region grows, according to the county’s road project website.
“The County is focused on proactively planning for a transportation network that best responds to continued population growth, changing travel patterns and increasing transportation demands in the area,” said Walt Smith, Hays County Precinct 4 commissioner.
The overview
County officials held an open house in Dripping Springs on Aug. 6 to field questions and provide information. Over 140 community members attended the event.
Local residents gather around a computer to discover where the new road will go. (Sienna Wight/Community Impact)
Improvements will include:
Two lanes in each direction, divided by a median
Shoulders on both sides
Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations
Water quality protection
Smith said the county is planning to implement phased construction to align improvements with available funding. The initial phase would include one lane in each direction and shoulders to provide mobility while preserving the corridor for future expansion.
“As growth continues and additional funding becomes available, the roadway would be expanded to its ultimate four-lane configuration,” Smith said in an email to Community Impact. “This approach allows future improvements to be considered incrementally, reduces individual disruption and ensures infrastructure investments are made when demand warrants.”
Zooming in
The project is currently in the schematic development phase.
(Courtesy Hays County)
"While temporary construction-related impacts are expected with any major transportation project, the County will continue to engage the public throughout the process and provide updates as more detailed construction plans become available,” Smith said.
The project will cost $4 million, according to the website. Construction costs are not funded yet.
Taking a step back
The need for a southwest connection has been included in county plans dating back to 2013.
According to the website, the roadway will follow a new alignment and requires additional right of way. As the design process continues, the county will coordinate with property owners.
Based on materials provided at the event, previous activities include:
2020: county begins a feasibility study to identify a recommended route and develop preliminary engineering plans
2022: recommended route is identified and preliminary engineering plans are completed
2025: county secures funding for additional studies through certificates of obligation
2026: county moves forward with additional planning based on recommended route
Reach out
Residents interested in participating in the open comment period may do so online before Aug. 20. The form is available at the bottom of the project webpage.
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