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PHOTO KENVARGAS
Hays County officials held an open house last week for residents to review an updated preliminary safety study for improvements along Fitzhugh Road, from Ranch Road 12 to the county line. The open house took place Oct. 9 at the Ranch Park Event Center.
The April 2024 safety study identified potential enhancements, including new signage, pavement markings, and intersection upgrades. The study is funded by the 2016 Hays County Bond Program. Last week’s open house shared preliminary work on Fitzhugh Road. Funding construction for the recommended safety improvements is part of the 2024 bond package on next month’s general election ballot. The county will host another open house Thursday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. The event will provide information about the proposed bond package, which will be up for voter consideration on Nov. 5.
Other open houses were held Oct. 8 in Wimberley, Oct. 9 in Kyle, and Oct. 15 in San Marcos. The Dripping Springs open house will be the final public meeting on the bond proposition before the election.
Proposition A calls for $440 million in bond debt to fund additional studies, designs, and the construction of 31 road projects in Hays County.
Nine of those projects, totaling $107.7 million, are located in North Hays County’s Precinct 4, which includes Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and Buda. Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith, along with the Commissioners Court, voted to place the bond package on the ballot.
“Transportation, mobility, and the ability of our residents to traverse the county safely is one of the highest priorities of the county,” Smith said. “Given the massive growth in Hays County, especially in the Buda and Dripping Springs areas, the county must identify needed improvements and changes. The projects in this bond are designed to improve the safe movement of our residents.”
Key projects in the bond package include: Darden Hill Road/ CR 162 (East of Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 1826): Construction of a four-lane divided roadway. Estimated cost: $51.8 million.
Darden Hill Road Extension (RM 150 West of Springwood Road to West of Sawyer Ranch Road): Design of a 4.8-mile, four-lane roadway. Estimated cost: $8 million.
RM 150 and RM 12 Intersection Improvements: Construction of a roundabout at RM 150 and RM 12. Estimated cost: $8.4 million.
Fitzhugh Road/CR 101 (RM 12 to Travis County Line): Design and construction of interim safety improvements. Estimated cost: $5 million.
Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (Precinct 4 Boundary to RM 12): Design and construction of a 2.4mile, four-lane divided roadway. Estimated cost: $5.7 million.
Sawyer Ranch Road Pedestrian Walkway (Meadow Creek Drive to Darden Hill Road): Construction of a 10foot shared path. Estimated cost: $3.4 million.
Sawyer Ranch Road (U.S. 290 to Darden Hill Road): Design and right-of-way acquisition for a fourlane divided roadway. Estimated cost: $13.9 million.
SH 45 Southwest Extension (FM 1626 to I-35): Design of a 1.9-mile, four-lane highway extension. Estimated cost: $7.1 million.
Old San Antonio Road Study (Main Street to Travis County Line): Road study. Estimated cost: $525,000.
“This is a great way for people to see what will be on their ballots and what the future might hold for our community,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “The Commissioners Court is working to prepare for the future. Proposition A allows taxpayers to decide what they want for Hays County.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view project details, learn about the potential tax impact, and get voting information. Staff will be available to answer questions in English and Spanish.
In August, the Hays County Commissioners Court called the $440 million bond election to seek funding for critical transportation projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety and mobility.
“Early voting starts Oct. 21, right after these open houses,” Becerra said. “We hope to educate citizens so they can make an informed decision about Proposition A.”
For more information on the 2024 Hays County Road Bond, including voting times and locations, visit hayscountybonds.com.
