Staff Report
HAYS COUNTY – A new roundabout at RM 3237 and RM 150 was unveiled – which is the first ever county-funded roundabout intersection.
A ribbon-cutting event was held on July 21 with county officials and American Structurepoint to mark the occasion. This is one of nine proposed roundabouts in Hays County.
Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“By using a roundabout, rather than a traditional T intersection with signals, the improvements provide more efficient movement of cars through the year 2041, a safer intersection and environmental benefits," said Commissioner Lon Shell.
The roads are some of the busiest in the area because there are popular destination points and roadway connections nearby.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of Hays County residents and travelers by constructing safe and effective transportation improvements while honoring the character of the community we all love,” Shell added.
The intersection includes the installation of Dark Sky compliant lights. By working with the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society during design, the county incorporated a warmer amber color, reducing the glare and the amount of light reflecting off the roadway while still meeting Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) standards.
“This approach not only preserves the local character of the community and allows for more visibility for stargazing, it reduces the impact to the natural habitat for birds and other wildlife,” Shell added.
Cox Commercial Construction was the contractor selected to construct the roundabout.
“It’s projects like this that make my job rewarding beyond measure,” said Senior Vice President Darren Okruhlik. “Blending safety improvements with the look and feel of the community is special and Hays County has done a magnificent job with this. … Not only do our crews work hard, but everyone involved in this effort has worked tirelessly to bring these needed enhancements for driver and pedestrian safety.”
Additionally, the county worked through the design to save the beloved historic oak tree at the intersection.
“American Structurepoint is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Hays County and TxDOT to design the roundabout,” said American Structurepoint President Rick Conner. “As national roundabout experts, it is exciting to showcase our expertise in Central Texas to help address critical issues, including road user safety. American Structurepoint knows roundabouts save lives and I look forward to Hays County residents and visitors benefiting from the work of the county and American Structurepoint.”
Roundabout benefits include an efficient flow of vehicles, reduction of high-speed accidents, reduced noise and vehicle emissions, traffic calming and landscape aesthetic improvements, according to a Hays County news release.
