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Council member presses TxDOT breakout projects for RM 620; city may contribute up to $250,000
Summary
Council Member O'Brien presented a TxDOT‑backed concept to build interim pavement at four raised‑median intersections on RM 620 that would enlarge U‑turn radii and install signals; estimated total cost $3–4 million with a city contribution of up to $250,000. Council asked staff to continue negotiations and requested updated crash data.
Council Member O'Brien outlined a proposal on Feb. 3, 2025, to ask the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to treat four signalized intersections within Lakeway as “breakout projects” from the larger RM 620 widening, allowing interim improvements before the full project — potentially reducing U‑turn collisions and lessening disruption when the main project arrives.
O'Brien proposed interim pavement widenings and the future signal work at Lomans Crossing, Lakeway Boulevard, Main Street and Dave Drive. The concept would add pavement on the outside of existing lanes to increase U‑turn turning radii and, where appropriate, construct ultimate signal locations. O'Brien told council he had discussed the idea with TxDOT and that TxDOT indicated it would likely fund new traffic signals placed in their ultimate locations while the city would be asked to participate in the interim widening costs.
Cost and schedule: O'Brien estimated a project in the $3,000,000–$4,000,000 range and said the city’s maximum participation would likely be capped at $250,000 (roughly 10–20 percent of the concept cost depending on final scope). He estimated about 15–18 months to reach construction after completing remaining right‑of‑way acquisitions and utility adjustments, with a construction window of roughly six to eight months.
Right of way and design: Staff said most required right of way for the four intersections has been acquired or is near completion, with two notable exceptions: the Goodwill property at Main Street and a corner parcel at Lakeway Commons near Lomans Crossing. TxDOT plan sheets and exhibits provided the geometry O'Brien used in his estimates and indicated some work could align with the ultimate TxDOT design, reducing duplication.
Council and public concerns: Council members asked for updated crash‑data analysis (Charlie Sullivan's earlier study was requested to be refreshed to year‑end). Some members expressed concern about permitting multiple close U‑turns on RM 620 and asked whether prohibiting certain U‑turns (for example near the H‑E‑B/Sonic entrance) would improve safety; staff said changing signal and median geometry could trigger more extensive environmental or public‑hearing processes with TxDOT.
Citizen Steve Goody of Serene Hills said he sees the H‑E‑B turn location as a frequent problem. LTFR and staff described near misses and some collisions at the intersections cited by council.
Council direction: Council did not vote on the concept but gave O'Brien direction to continue refining the proposal with TxDOT and return with a more detailed cost breakdown, updated collision analysis and a clearer right‑of‑way and utility timeline. O'Brien said he would proceed and bring more detailed exhibits and a negotiation strategy for an advanced funding agreement to a future meeting.
