Vital Road and Bridge Projects Progress Across Central Texas
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is celebrating August as “a landmark month,” completing critical emergency repairs ahead of schedule and breaking ground on long-awaited projects.
After deadly floods washed away the Cow Creek Bridge in Central Texas, Hunter Industries crews rebuilt it in just 29 days. This was well ahead of the original September deadline.
“This is what Texas is all about — we get things done,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “In just a short period of time, crews put together the pieces, finished construction, and got this bridge completed. Because this bridge was completed so quickly, it will ensure that we reconnect communities and get things back to normal for all the people who were affected.”
The new bridge has a taller, wider and more resilient design with improved travel lanes and shoulders to better withstand future floods. The structure is a vital link for the Lago Vista, Marble Falls and Cedar Park communities, which faced lengthy detours during reconstruction.
Cedar Park is also receiving new frontage roads along U.S. Route 183. TxDOT broke ground on two non-tolled lanes on both sides of the 183A Toll Road between Ranch to Market Road 1431 and Avery Ranch Boulevard.
“This is an exciting day as we celebrate the start of a construction project that will address congestion, improve safety and enhance mobility for this fast-growing area of Williamson County,” said Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT’s Austin District engineer. “We are breaking ground on a project that will transform transportation in Cedar Park, creating more flexibility and opportunity for the city’s future development.”
The $139 million project also includes a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists that connects to an existing trailhead. Construction is expected to finish in 2029.
Also in August, TxDOT opened the new Westlake Drive bridge over Loop 360 in Austin. The upgrade is part of a $72.1 million corridor improvement initiative restoring critical east-west connectivity. It includes non-signalized U-turns to improve mobility.
The Westlake Drive bridge is one of several planned intersection upgrades along Loop 360 meant to address high traffic volumes and congestion.
Sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Office of the Texas Governor, Hill Country News