By Andy Sevilla.
On average, 33 car crashes are reported on FM 2001 annually, specifically between Interstate 35 and State Highway 21; at least that’s been the case since 2008, according to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials.
The need for improvements to that road – widening and realignment – are due, in part, to increased congestion caused by Hays County’s population boom, but also due to roadway deficiencies from 90-degree turns and narrow shoulders, officials say.
Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones (right) discusses plans for FM 2001 with residents. The road is a main connector between I-35 and State Highway 21. (Photo by Andy Sevilla) |
Now, TxDOT and Hays County are partnering to improve safety and mobility on FM 2001, though construction is not expected until the fall of 2016, at the earliest.
The proposed project would consist of widening FM 2001 from the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided thoroughfare. The road would also be re-aligned from IH35 to SH 21, though officials have not yet selected a specific route.
At full build-out the project is expected to cost about $49 million – $16 million for Phase I, which would realign the roadway and reconstruct it as a divided two-lane thoroughfare. Phase II would cost an additional $33 million to build the roadway to four lanes, though TxDOT officials say that financial estimation is preliminary and will shift depending on the alignment selected and design development.
TxDOT, Hays County and Federal Highway Administration officials hosted an open house on Jan. 16 to discuss the proposed project. Though still too early to identify the public’s concerns and suggestions, TxDOT Public Information Officer Kelli Reyna said in an email Tuesday that the main inquiries addressed included safety concerns, such as truck traffic and speed limits, as well as how the alignments would work.
Officials are considering three alignment routes connecting FM 2001 in Hays County. The alignments generally run southeast from IH 35 to SH 21, connecting FM 2001 directly from Hays County to Caldwell County.
Project officials are in the process of receiving public comment and performing environmental studies. Before construction begins, officials must complete the environmental review and obtain approval, then acquire right-of-way, prepare design and relocate utilities.
Presently, only the existing right-of-way for FM 2001 is available. Pending the alignment selected, an additional 100 to 120 acres of right-of-way will be needed for the project, Reyna said.
Project officials will use all public input to select a recommended alignment; that recommendation will then be presented to residents during a public hearing, where they will have another opportunity to provide feedback, Reyna said, adding that officials anticipate that process will take a year.
“The purpose of the proposed project is to enhance safety and address mobility in the project area for all system users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists,” Reyna said.
Residents have until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 to submit their feedback. A comment sheet as well as a map of the proposed alignment routes is available on the Hays County website under the news tab.
Written comments can be mailed to: Environmental Coordinator, TxDOT Austin District, P.O. Drawer 15426, Austin, TX 78761-5426. Emailed comments or phone calls will not be accepted in the official record.
