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TxDOT releases feedback for US 290 project
Graphic by Barton Publications
Dripping Springs, Kyle, News
Mikey Brown on December 23, 2024
TxDOT releases feedback for US 290 project

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Feedback from the US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Environmental Study done by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was released earlier this month.

TxDOT conducted an environmental study to evaluate long-term safety and mobility solutions along US 290 from RM 1826 in southwest Austin to Rob Shelton Boulevard in Dripping Springs. According to TxDOT, US 290 between Oak Hill and Dripping Springs does not adequately accommodate current traffic volumes, resulting in congestion and reduced mobility. Since 2010, daily traffic has increased by up to 50% within the study area and the number of vehicles traveling along US 290 is expected to increase by three to five times over the next 30 years.

In addition, about one crash occurs every other day along US 290 in the study area, according to TxDOT, and 1,245 crashes were reported between 2016-2022 — 19 of those crashes were fatal, 44 resulted in serious injuries and 323 resulted in other injuries. Five crashes involved people walking or biking and two people walking died.

The need for mobility and safety improvements is increasing due to the rapid population growth and development occurring along US 290 and the communities around it, TxDOT stated.

On Saturday, June 1, a community workshop was held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park so that residents could go over the plans for the updates to US 290, with a virtual option June 1-23. More than 200 people signed into the workshop in-person, with 1,373 people online and gave input “through surveys, maps, notes and direct conversations with community members,” stated TxDOT community workshop documents and 208 comments were left through in-person forms, emails and voicemails.

Some of the resident’s concerns, as documented in the feedback, included safety, traffic and Dripping Springs’ Dark Sky Community status.

Paul Stroessner, who responded to the study by email, was one of those residents.

“I am a concerned resident of Dripping Springs writing to express my strong opinion that the 290 expansion and related roadway expansion from Rob Shelton should both be stopped, with a No Build decision. Displacement of such an extremely high number of businesses, residences and a church is unacceptable and does not align with the values of Texas or America. This plan will destroy Dripping Springs,” he said. “There is no other way to say it. This is a small town. The residents live here because of that. If we wanted a highway, we would have moved to Kyle or Buda or Austin. We live here because it’s rural, quiet and not the city. This plan will destroy everything that we love about this town, including the Dark Sky Community, rolling hills, small town feel and many of the businesses that we are patrons of. This plan is simply unacceptable and must be stopped.”

In response to Stroessner’s Dark Sky concerns, TxDOT responded, “Should a build alternative move forward, TxDOT is working with the city of Dripping Springs to look at lighting features that would preserve the natural look of the night skies along US 290,” said the study. “Projects must include lighting on ramps and at intersections to ensure safety and security. Lighting options are still being evaluated, but could include low-level LED lighting that focuses lighting downward, prevents glare and preserves the nighttime aesthetic of the community.”

Other residents worry about the impact of the project on the community and small-town aspect of Dripping Springs.

“When I moved to Dripping Springs in 2010, I could have never imagined the growth we have experienced. Dripping was a town of 1,800 and everyone was excited to have a new H-E-B and a Whataburger. That was 14 years ago and today, we are writing to prevent the proposed expansion on Highway 290 from 1826 to Dripping Springs,” said resident Suzan Walker. “It’s clear to most of us that the highway has become unsafe and traffic will continue to increase and the highway will become more crowded and dangerous.”

“Action must be taken, but the entire community is shocked by the proposed expansion. There must be reasons beyond safety that a highway would increase from four lanes to 15. If this increase is for commerce or any other reason than safety, it must be reevaluated. It must be stopped for environmental and economic reasons,” Walker continued. “This highway will destroy property values, businesses and the very reasons we all chose to move to Dripping Springs. Our lovely little town will disappear like so many other towns that have been subjected to catastrophic change. Please go back to the drawing board and provide the safety required without destruction.”

Some were in favor of the changes, as resident Geralyn DePinto’s response email stated, “The traffic in Dripping Springs to the Y in Oak Hill is horrendous. We do need a highway without stop lights. HWY 290 has become a street with multiple stop lights. I would welcome a multi lane highway and I think those of us who do want it are less vocal. More and more people are moving out this way and planning for heavy traffic is the best option.”

As for another resident, Lauren Dungan, the expansion is long overdue.

“I just want to express how desperately we need this project!  I know you all are dealing with complaints, but please know there are also many of us who have likely been less vocal who think this project is a must!” she said. “Let us learn from the mistake of not taking care of expanding the Y area of 280 two decades ago and how much more of a headache it is to complete now.  Let’s be proactive this time, since we know the growth is coming!!! Thank you for all you are doing.”

TxDOT declined to comment further on the study, stating in an email, “We have nothing to add other than TxDOT is in the process of reviewing comments as we move toward design options for US 290.”

For more information about the study done by TxDOT and the responses to it, visit bit.ly/4gES3uN.

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