US 281 at SH 71 Interchange
Introduction
TxDOT is conducting a study for proposed safety and mobility improvements, including bicycle and pedestrian connectivity at the US 281 at SH 71 interchange. The proposed project would construct a new interchange at US 281 at SH 71. Most of US 281 functions as a local thoroughfare, commuter highway and freight corridor. The Texas Freight Mobility Plan 2018 identifies US 281 as a key highway corridor being used by the agricultural industry in Texas. SH 71 is the main route from Austin into the Hill Country and towards the Highland Lakes region in Burnet County. This interchange is integral to the mobility of freight and commuters, and provides access to popular travel destinations in Central Texas. Upgrades to this intersection will help improve safety and mobility.
Current conditions
Currently, the US 281 at SH 71 interchange is a cloverleaf interchange. Around the interchange, US 281 is a four-lane arterial (two lanes in each direction) and each direction of traffic is separated with a grassy median. At the interchange and west of the interchange, SH 71 is an undivided 2-lane arterial (1 lane in each direction). East of the interchange, SH 71 is an undivided four-lane arterial (two lanes in each direction).
Project background
This project is needed because the US 281 and SH 71 interchange is inadequate to meet current and future traffic volumes, resulting in congestion and reduced mobility. It also lacks adequate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations/connectivity.
Proposed improvements
- Replacing the current cloverleaf interchange with an innovative interchange
- Adding elevated structures to improve mobility through the interchange
- Adding frontage roads to separate high-speed through traffic from local traffic
- Adding shared-use paths to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians
Existing cloverleaf interchange
Project location
Additional information
The project requires approximately 139 acres of right-of-way including the displacement of two residences and five unoccupied apartment buildings.
The estimated construction cost is approximately $203M.
Next steps
Next Steps (subject to change):
The study is anticipated to take 12 - 18 months and will complete in 2025.
- Public meeting – early 2024
- Public hearing – estimated for early 2025
- Environmental clearance – anticipated in early 2025
- Right-of-way acquisition – anticipated in mid-2025 to 2028
- Utility coordination – planned for mid-2025 to 2028
- Construction – estimated to begin in 2029
Get involved
Public engagement is an important element of this project. TxDOT encourages the public to be informed and engaged throughout the process. TxDOT will host public meetings at key milestones in the study to share information and to receive input from the public that will help inform decision-making.
When meetings are announced, they will be added to this page.
- Virtual public meeting with in-person option - Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Public hearing – estimated for early 2025
Downloads
- Project fact sheet
- Project fact sheet (Español)