TIRZ Project: Old Fitzhugh Road Improvements

The Old Fitzhugh Road Improvement Project is one of four priority projects approved by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board in spring of 2017.

The Old Fitzhugh Road concept plan began in October 2017. Based on extensive stakeholder input, the final concept plan was completed in May 2018 and approved by the City Council in August 2018.

The project area covers Old Fitzhugh Road from Mercer Street to RM 12.

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. Old Fitzhugh Road will remain a two-lane road connecting to and complementing the successful improvements made on Mercer Street several years ago. The plan calls for shifting the roadway to the east to enable room for a new eight-foot-wide shared-use path on the west side of the road. Landscaping, pedestrian amenities, lighting and drainage enhancements, and traffic calming are also important design elements of the project.

Currently, the project engineering design is 30 percent complete with forward progress and strives to faithfully implement and technically facilitate the priorities and design elements identified in the approved concept plan.

Project Design

Plans for the improvements include implementing a wide shared-use path, traffic calming measures, curbside parking, and lighting while preserving trees, locally owned shops, historic buildings and homes, and the city’s small-town charm.

Funding

The project design has been funded with Tax Increment Funds approved by the TIRZ Board and City Council. The Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) has recommended $1.3 million toward pedestrian facilities and the city is actively seeking grant and other sources of funding for the remainder of the costs.

The construction timeline for this project is contingent on funding which has not yet been established.

Check Out Our Q&As

Have a question? Please look at our Q&A's on the project. You can find them here: Old Fitzhugh Road Q&A's. You can also come to our open house to talk about the latest on the project. You can see information on that below. Or, reach out to communications@cityofdrippingsprings.com.

Community Engagement

The City of Dripping Springs is committed to an open and inclusive process for directly affected property owners, stakeholders, and the public to ensure the ongoing engineering design & project implementation remains consistent with stakeholder’s priorities and the approved concept plan moving forward.

Direct outreach and public open houses will be held throughout the design and construction phases to keep the community informed and collect feedback.

Questions or comments on the project? Email us at communications@cityofdrippingsprings.com.