A roundabout at the intersection of North Burleson Street and Spring Branch Drive is a solution some city leaders feel could improve traffic flow and safety in that area.
But an estimated $550,000 price tag on the project is pushing Kyle City Council members to contemplate and identify possible alternative solutions that fits the city budget.
Discussion on the item came up April 2 as city leaders sought a solution for that intersection. No action was taken on the item and city leaders plan to discuss the topic at future meetings.
“Four properties in this area would be affected and need to be acquired for this. We would have to pay for relocation and utilities in that area.”
–Leon Barba, Kyle City Engineer
Kyle City Council member Rick Koch asked for a mock-up of a roundabout for the intersection. While the concept was well received by a majority of council members, the estimated cost was not. The roundabout would be the second on North Burleson Street and expects to solve the traffic back-up.
“I expect the traffic to increase, especially because we’re reconstructing on all of Burleson,” Koch said. “So, this is trying to plan and be forward thinking about all the residents in Spring Branch, Plum Creek and those coming off the highway.”
However, the $550,000 estimate for the roundabout, crafted by American Structurepoint Inc., surpassed what city leaders had saved in their budget for road projects. The estimate included design and construction costs.
City leaders identified other means of traffic control, including placing a 3-way or an all-way stop sign, or a traffic signal.
Placing a roundabout or a traffic signal would not only require funding, but also land from residents on all corners in the area, Kyle City Engineer Leon Barba said.
“Four properties in this area would be affected and need to be acquired for this,” he said. “We would have to pay for relocation and utilities in that area.”
Barba recommended the 3-way stop option.
“There’s probably a top five list of intersections I get complaints about and this would likely be number two,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said. “I’ve had times at Spring Branch myself where I’ve had to wait a long time to get out. Studies have shown that roundabouts improve safety and efficiency.”
Kyle Mayor Pro-Tem Dex Ellison said the city should aim to fix the issue before it reaches a population of 50,000 people. Reaching that population could decrease the amount of funding and help Kyle could receive from the Texas Department of Transportation.
“I would need to talk to constituents before making a decision,” said Council Member Daphne Tenorio.
