by MOSES LEOS III
The often discussed and frequently controversial State Highway 45 (SH 45) Southwest road project is finally moving past the idea stage, says Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones.
SH 45 Southwest is a proposed 3.6-mile roadway that will connect MoPac (Loop 1) south of Slaughter Lane in southern Travis County to FM 1626 in northern Hays County.
According to Jones, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is moving forward with an Environmental Impact Study to assess how the road will affect the area.
Talk of building SH 45 has been in the works for the past 15 years, but planning has been going on for the past four decades. Various environmental groups, including the most vocal, Save Our Springs (SOS), were instrumental in halting construction, fearing damage to the Barton Springs and Edwards Aquifer.
Jones believes TxDOT’s environmental impact study results will alleviate most environmental concerns.
“[The Enivronmental Impact Study] will show facts, not speculation, on the impact to the environment,” he said.
Next week, Jones will meet with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority to talk more about the progression of the project.
“[TxDOT] is just starting out on [SH 45]; they plan to move forward to get it built,” Jones said.
However, nothing can be done until the Environmental Impact Study is complete. As TxDOT completes their assessment, Jones was confident on the preliminary steps taken toward SH 45.
“We have a good feeling on preliminary work with stakeholders and ideas on how [SH 45] will be built,” Jones said. “We also have a good feeling toward the environmental aspect as well.”
