Open House Set To Discuss U.S. 290, SH 71 Mobility Improvements

AUSTIN, TX – State transportation officials will conduct a public hearing to discuss the proposed mobility improvements to U.S. 290 and SH 71 through Oak Hill later this week, officials announced Monday.

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority have planned to stage the Thursday, May 24, meeting at Bowie High School, located at 4103 West Slaughter Lane in Austin.

The hearing will begin with an open house at 6:15 p.m. followed by a formal presentation, including the proposed build alternative, at 7 p.m. A public comment session will take place following the presentation, officials said.

The purpose of the proposed non-tolled project is to improve mobility and operational efficiency, promote long-term congestion management, as well as improve safety and emergency response, transportation officials explained.

The need for the project arises from the increasing population in the nearby fast-growing suburban and rural communities like Oak Hill, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs and Johnson City. US 290 in Oak Hill is ranked 64th on the list of TxDOT’s top 100 congested roadways.

The proposed $398.6 million project would construct three new main lanes in each direction for through traffic on US 290, as well as two to three frontage road lanes in each direction. Proposed improvements also include an overpass for US 290 at William Cannon Drive, along with flyovers between US 290 and SH 71. Bicycle and pedestrian paths along the entire corridor are also part of the proposal.

The draft schematic design of the recommended build alternative, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, maps, drawings and other project information will be on display at the hearing. Comments from the public are encouraged.

Those unable to attend the meeting in person can find a Virtual Open House at www.OakHillParkway.com. Comments can be mailed to the TxDOT Austin District Office, Attention Environmental Coordinator, at P.O. Drawer 154276, Austin, TX 78761. Written comments may also be submitted by fax to 512-832-7157, and must be received by Monday, June 18, 2018, to be included in the public record.

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