US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Environmental Study
TxDOT is conducting an environmental study to evaluate long-term safety and mobility solutions along US 290 from RM 1826 in southwest Austin to Rob Shelton Boulevard in Dripping Springs.
US 290 between Oak Hill and Dripping Springs does not adequately accommodate current traffic volumes, resulting in congestion and reduced mobility. Since 2010, daily traffic increased by up to 50% within the study area, and the number of vehicles travelling along US 290 is expected to increase by 3-5 times over the next 30 years.
In addition, about one crash occurs every other day along US 290 in the study area. 1,245 crashes were reported between 2016-2022. 19 of those crashes were fatal, 44 resulted in serious injuries and 323 resulted in other injuries. Five crashes involved people walking or biking, and two people walking died.
The need for mobility and safety improvements is increasing due to the rapid population growth and development occurring along US 290 and the communities around it.
Study overview
The US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Environmental Study began in 2022. This is the second phase of a multi-step process to determine options for maximizing safety and mobility along the corridor. The purpose of this study is to identify long-term solutions that:
- Improve mobility and safety in the corridor
- Enhance accessibility for residents and businesses
- Improve emergency response times
- Minimize impacts to the community and natural environment
The study will include:
- Engagement with community stakeholders, public agencies and local governments
- Continued analyses of current corridor conditions
- Presentation of the purpose and need for the project
- Evaluation of design options and the No Build (do nothing) alternative
- Evaluation of potential impacts to the community and environment (e.g., water resources, air quality, noise, threatened and endangered species, historical and archeological resources, land use and parkland)
- Recommendation of a design option or No Build alternative
Project development process
Stakeholder engagement occurs on an ongoing basis throughout all project development phases:
- Phase 1: Planning and Feasibility Study (completed 2019-2020)
- Phase 2: Environmental Study (We are Here)
- Phase 3: Final design, right of way acquisition and utility adjustments
- Phase 4: Construction (unfunded)
Advancing to the next phase depends on the previous phase outcome, as well as funding availability.
Get involved
Information about previous public involvement activities can be accessed below:
- In-person workshop with virtual option - Saturday, June 1, 2024
- Virtual public meeting - Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024
- In-person public meeting - Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024
- Public Meetings Summary Report - Oct. 2019