US 290 Dripping Springs
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) presented plans to upgrade a 13-mile stretch of Highway 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs to the public on January 30th. This project (that is right in our backyard) aims to address increased traffic congestion and severe crashes along the corridor. Proposed improvements include widening the highway to six lanes, adding a divider between east and westbound lanes, eliminating stoplights, and incorporating frontage roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
Local residents acknowledge that necessity of the project due to rapid population growth in the area however, it comes with the displacement of 13 residences, 82 businesses, and a church along US 290.
TxDOT plans to gather further public input through additional meetings in the summer and fall and we are steadfast in providing these updates to your clients. The final design, acquisition of right-of-way properties, and construction timeline are yet to be determined.
Dripping Springs Southwest Connection
Hays County is advancing plans for the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection, a new road corridor intended to increase capacity, offer a much-needed alternative to US 290, and improve safety and connectivity as the region continues to grow. The need for this corridor has been on regional planners’ radar since 2013, and between 2020 and 2022, the County completed a feasibility study to determine a recommended route.
Proposed improvements include two lanes in each direction with a median, shoulders on both sides of the roadway, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and water quality protection features.
The county is now moving forward with the environmental review, schematic design, and field surveys to further refine the project. Property owners in the potential path of the project will be contacted this summer, with a public community meeting planned for late summer or early fall. The final design, acquisition of right-of-way properties, and construction timeline are yet to be determined.
I represent landowners facing condemnation and work to minimize the effects and receive just compenstation for the taking of our clients’ land. If you are impacted by this road project, please contact us to learn how we can help.
-Patrick Reznik, Attorney and Counselor