BANDERA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO TXDOT: "HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE ON THIS ROAD?"
That question was asked publicly last week by Bandera County Commissioner Troy Konvicka at the May 14 Commissioners Court meeting — the first time TxDOT District Engineer Charles Benavidez appeared before the court to present the agency's safety plan for SH 46 West.
Read the full story in the Bandera Prophet: https://www.banderaprophet.com/260520-county-commissioners-request-town-hall-meetings-to-discuss-hwy-46.html
Commissioner Bobby Harris put it even more personally. Standing in that courtroom he said: "I know half the people who have gotten killed on that road." He pointed out there is nowhere to pull over in an emergency. Nowhere for an ambulance to pass. No outlet for anyone in trouble on this road.
That is the reality of SH 46 West. And it is now on the record, in public, from the people elected to represent Bandera County.
HERE IS WHERE THINGS STAND
Bandera County Commissioners have formally requested that TxDOT hold town hall public meetings on SH 46 West so that residents — the people who actually drive this road every day — can speak directly to TxDOT about the blind spots, the sharp curves, and the narrow shoulders. TxDOT District Engineer Benavidez said he would follow up with the court. We will be watching for that follow-up.
TxDOT's short-term plan calls for intersection improvements at three locations in Bandera County — Latigo Blvd., Bruce Leeder Lane, and Madrona Ranch Road. Construction is not expected to start until late 2027. Commissioner Konvicka said it plainly: "I don't like the four-year plan."
Neither do we.
TxDOT's own data shows between 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles travel this road every day. Their own engineer confirmed the crash rate is twice the national average. And not one improvement currently committed will stop a vehicle from crossing the center line into oncoming traffic — the crash type responsible for the majority of deaths on this corridor.
WHAT IS NEXT
TxDOT will present the same plan to Kendall County Commissioners Court on May 26. If you can be in that room, please be there.
Kendall County Courthouse
201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne — 3rd Floor
May 26, 2026
1,200 of you signed this petition and made every one of these conversations possible. The commissioners are asking the right questions. TxDOT is showing up. Now we need to make sure the answers lead to real action — not just more plans.
Keep sharing. Keep pushing.
— Brad Dobson
BradDobson@outlook.com
210-710-9441