DRIPPING SPRINGS — A traffic signal will be installed at Arrowhead Ranch Boulevard in Dripping Springs by 2027.
Dripping Springs City Council unanimously approved an advanced funding agreement March 25 for the installation of a traffic signal at US 290 and Arrowhead Ranch Boulevard, which secures the city’s funding commitment and ensures the signal will be installed several years ahead of the standard Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) schedule.
The city budgeted $400,000 in the current fiscal year for a traffic signal to be installed at Arrowhead Ranch or Founders Park Road, as both locations have met traffic warrants justifying signalization, said planning director Tory Carpenter.
“After considering both safety and the need, the transportation committee recommended to prioritize Arrowhead Ranch Boulevard and [US] 290 for funding,” Carpenter said. “Meanwhile, the Founders [Park Road] and Ranch Road 12 intersection has been added to the TxDOT funding list, which takes a number of years. It varies very significantly, but [the] average would have an estimated time of construction around 2028 to 2030, so quite a ways out.”
“The key thing with the Arrowhead one is it’s directly across the street from the school district’s transportation services lot … bus barn and so, that is kind of a high traffic intersection,” explained council member Geoffrey Tahuahua.
The TxDOT agreement and timeline are as follows:
• The city is required to fully fund the cost of the Arrowhead Ranch Boulevard traffic signal installation.
• Per the agreement, the city’s financial share must be remitted at least 60 days before the bid date set by TxDOT.
• The project is scheduled to bid in June 2026 to allow for design and review.
• Construction is expected to last approximately one year, with completion no later than fall 2027.
Council member Travis Crow, who is the chair of the city’s transportation committee, concluded the item by stating that he would like for the city to have a meeting with TxDOT later down the road. While he does agree with the advanced funding agreement, he said that there needs to be a conversation about all of the traffic signal lights on US 290 as “we’re trying to get traffic out of town and then, we are slowing it down.”
More information about Dripping Springs City Council meetings can be found at www.drippingsprings-tx.municodemeetings.com.
