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Resident urges careful review of Highway 71 median proposal; council schedules discussion
Summary
A Bee Cave resident urged the council to reconsider the design and placement of proposed medians on Highway 71, arguing that short, low medians may not prevent head-on crashes and suggesting higher concrete barriers in specific downhill segments; council members said the item is slated for the April 22 agenda.
A Bee Cave resident on April 8 urged the city council to scrutinize a proposed median installation on U.S. Highway 71, saying the low-profile medians under consideration may not prevent the most serious head-on crashes and asking the council to examine crash data and targeted, taller barriers for specific downhill sections.
John Wickens, who identified himself during the citizen comment period, said he reviewed TxDOT materials and crash heat maps and concluded the majority of crashes appeared at intersections rather than mid-block. He told the council the style of median under consideration (a short raised curb about 6 inches high, similar to medians installed in Lakeway) would not reliably stop vehicles that become airborne after striking a median. "I don't believe the curb, that height, 6 inches will stop anything," Wickens said. He noted TxDOT guidance indicating that much taller concrete medians (32–42 inches) are required to stop certain vehicle types in higher-speed scenarios.
Wickens urged the council to identify specific crash hot spots and consider installing higher barriers in the downhill portion from Serene Hills to Bee Creek Road while reserving other sections for lower-profile measures. He also suggested the city obtain collision statistics that separate head-on and intersection crashes to inform design choices.
Council members confirmed the median proposal would be on the council agenda for April 22 under the city's agenda planning process and said staff will bring the item back for discussion. The council did not take policy action on the proposal at the April 8 meeting; the remarks were part of the public comment period.
The council's April 22 discussion will allow members and staff to review TxDOT specifications, local crash data, and any design alternatives prior to taking a vote or making a formal city position regarding the median proposal.
