Transportation

Important Meeting Notification from TxDOT — 
The following Information Was Released on TxDOT's April Newsletter:

Since the January public meeting, the study team has been busy reviewing and considering more than 1,200 comments submitted by community members. Some of the key takeaways we heard from attendees and comments received include:

• A desire to talk more with TxDOT about the project 
• Design questions and recommendations, including feedback on turnarounds, cross streets, overpasses and underpasses
• Concerns about lighting, noise and trees along the corridor
• Questions about why the project is needed, and if so, can the team consider a smaller footprint or another route

Based on feedback from in-person, virtual and stakeholder meetings, the study team is re-evaluating the project design that was initially shared. The study timeline has been extended to allow for more community dialogue, so that we may develop a project that both meets the desired mobility and safety outcomes and reflects community values.

In response to the community’s desire to talk more about the project, TxDOT will host a workshop to share information about the problems we are trying to address as well as impacts to the community and environment being considered. We’ll share information on what we’ve heard to date, project changes as a result of community feedback, and work directly with the community to learn more about the issues you are experiencing in the corridor. We will also share information about adjacent projects – including the US 290 from Rob Shelton Boulevard to Roger Hanks Parkway environmental study and the US 290 from Roger Hanks Parkway to US 281 feasibility study.

Community Workshop
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center
1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX 78620).

To read the entire newsletter from TxDOT, go here:
 https://mailchi.mp/8698ba508258/mobility35-e-newsletter-10116568?e=bcd195a88d

Welcome to the Transportation portal of our website. Traffic is one of the major concerns for residents and businesses in Dripping Springs. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring our vibrant neighborhoods, or simply getting around town, our goal is to provide you with the resources and support you need to travel sustainably and enjoyably in Dripping Springs. Explore our transportation section to learn more about initiatives aimed at enhancing mobility and connectivity for all.

Many who are new to the area and long-standing residents may not know that the City has a dynamic Transportation Master Plan. The City Council adopted the City of Dripping Springs Transportation Master Plan on October 20. 2021. The approval came after years of extensive meetings and public open houses and includes modifications to address many of the concerns and needs that citizens expressed during the meetings.

The City’s Transportation Master Plan is a long-range planning document that defines goals and policies for its transportation system. It includes recommendations to prepare for future needs of the community. The adopted Transportation Master Plan:

• Promotes safe mobility within the City’s transportation infrastructure
• Develops a future transportation system that accommodates growth
• Establishes the ultimate roadway network and identify right-of-way needs to meet future growth
• Identifies mobility improvements

Some of the other goals for the Transportation Master Plan include identifying deficiencies in the current transportation network and creating policies to guide developers on the transportation needs within the City.

You can view and download the approved Transportation Master Plan and other related documents here:

• Dripping Springs Transportation Master Plan. 
• Dripping Springs Thoroughfare Plan
• Dripping Springs Traffic Study
• Dripping Springs Cross Sections Overview

The plan will continuously be updated with the evolving transportation and lifestyle needs of Dripping Springs and will be updated every 5 years to adapt to regional transportation thoroughfare plan updates and the rapid development in the City and its ETJ.

For more information, contact Tory Carpenter, Planning Director, at 512-858-4725 or tcarpenter@cityofdrippingsprings.com.

Some short-term goals from the Transportation Master Plan have already been met, such as the extension of Roger Hanks Parkway and the creation of Lone Peak Way. Both were created in partnerships with developers and have helped with congestion at the intersection of US 290 and Route 12. Additional future short-term improvements include enhancements to Rob Shelton Boulevard.

Check back here for updates on other improvements that will be completed.

The City of Dripping Springs is aware that there are many questions and concerns over TxDOT’s plans to improve the US 290 Corridor between Austin and Dripping Springs. Residents want to know where to go to have their voices heard and learn the latest on transportation projects.

Per TxDOT, with traffic volumes on US 290 expected to double by 2045, upgrades are needed to improve safety and mobility in the corridor; enhance accessibility for residents and businesses; improve connectivity; improve emergency response times; and minimize impacts to the community and natural environment. TxDOT has been holding public meetings on their plans.

• See their fact sheet here: US 290 West TxDOT Fact Sheet.
• Go to their Website on the Project Here: US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Planning and Feasibility Study (txdot.gov). On this site, you can see when upcoming public meetings will be held, along with overviews of previous meetings.
• See their April Announcement about another town hall meeting here: https://mailchi.mp/8698ba508258/mobility35-e-newsletter-10116568?e=bcd195a88d

Questions regarding TxDOT 290 plans should be directed to TxDOT at 512-832-7060.

Dripping Springs believes in creating pedestrian-friendly environments that prioritize safety, accessibility, and connectivity for all residents and visitors. Our ongoing sidewalk projects aim to enhance the pedestrian experience, promote active transportation, and contribute to the overall vibrancy of our city streets.

From expanding existing sidewalks to building new pathways, our projects are designed with careful consideration for community needs and input. Whether you're strolling through bustling neighborhoods or enjoying recreational activities, our sidewalks play a vital role in facilitating your journey.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our sidewalk projects, with a focus on incorporating eco-friendly materials, implementing green infrastructure, and promoting walkability to reduce reliance on vehicles and lower carbon emissions.

Learn about project timelines, scope, and how you can provide feedback to help shape the future of pedestrian infrastructure in Dripping Springs. More details coming soon.

One of our ongoing road projects is the Old Fitzhugh Road Improvement Project. This is one of four priority projects approved by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board. The concept plan seeks to preserve the rural character of the current street while improving traffic flow, pedestrian access and connectivity, safety, and drainage issues.

You can learn all about this project here: https://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/tirz/old-fitzhugh-road

We will update this page as new news and information becomes available. We'll update on long-term road closures as we hear about them and more. Check back often. Or subscribe to our email alerts here: https://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/subscribe

And for instant updates, please follow us on social media. We update major projects and happenings there on a daily basis. You can follow the City of Dripping Springs Facebook page here: Dripping Springs Facebook Page