The purpose of this petition is to request that TxDOT go back to the drawing board and propose a more sensible, humane, and environmentally sensitive expansion of the 290W corridor from Oak Hill at RM1826 to Rob Shelton Blvd. near the HEB at RR12.

This project is different from the already approved and funded 6 lane expansion in downtown Dripping from RR12 to Roger Hanks Parkway. The 13 mile corridor project has not been funded yet and the planning is still in its infancy, which is why now is the time to act. 

What is TxDOT proposing

This proposed project would widen approximately 13 miles of 290W from the current 4 lanes to 12 lanes and would swell up to a staggering 16 lanes at the intersections of Circle Drive, Fitzhugh, Nutty Brown, Belterra, Sawyer Ranch Rd, Trutwein and Headwaters. 

TxDOT’s engineers from AtkinsRealis have likened this proposed expansion to I-35 in Austin. 

An example intersection would include: 

• 5 frontage lanes on one side of the freeway (1 right turn, 2 straight, 1 left turn, 1 u-turn)
• 8 lane divided freeway
• 3 frontage lanes on the other side of the freeway

 

 

Five of these proposed intersections are designed as overpasses, where the 8 lane freeway climbs roughly 30 feet into the air with frontage roads on either side at ground level. These overpasses would be placed at the intersections of Circle Drive, Fitzhugh, Nutty Brown, Belterra, and Sawyer Ranch Road. To help visualize an 8 lane freeway overpass, see picture at the start of this petition. 

Why this petition matters

A freeway of this magnitude will impact far more than the homes and businesses that sit along the 290W corridor from Oak Hill into Dripping. The environmental repercussions to the Hill Country would be immeasurable. The noise, air, and light pollution from a freeway of this magnitude would alter the quality of life for all of us living in and around the Dripping Springs area. 

Brad Wheelis, the Southwest Communications Director for TxDOT, told Fox 7 News that the intention of this 290 expansion would be to “put the local traffic on the frontage roads.” What TxDOT’s plan ignores is that according to the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Texas at Austin, frontage roads tend to be extremely unfavorable for the communities that use them. 

The research study concluded that “access roads cut off neighborhoods, increase local travel time for residents and emergency response services, and increase traffic speed” - all of which contributes to the devaluing of what would otherwise be some of the most expensive real estate in the region.

We are not arguing that the safety of our 290W corridor needs to be improved, but an I-35 freeway through the Hill Country is not the solution. Brad Wheelis has called this expansion, “a community driven project,” and said if this proposal is not something the community wants, “we will get more public feedback and go back to the engineering table.” 

Let us take them at their word

Let us take TxDOT at their word and ask for an alternative. Sign this petition asking that TxDOT propose an alternative solution to the community that improves the safety of the 290W corridor, while still preserving the very reason we choose to make the Hill Country our home.

The time is now! Sign and share this petition!

 

Resources

• US ​290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Planning and Feasibility Study
• TxDOT Engineering Schematics (these are large files)
• Frontage Roads in Texas: A Comprehensive Assessment
• Brad Wheelis interview with Fox7 News