Council authorizes bids for nearly $9 million Old Fitzhugh Road reconstruction

The Dripping Springs City Council voted April 21 to authorize the request for bids on the Old Fitzhugh Road improvement project, a major corridor reconstruction that staff estimates at just under $9 million.

Leslie, presenting the project, said the city had secured design approval from TxDOT and received necessary state and federal authorizations to proceed with procurement. The funding package combines approximately $1.6 million from Hays County POSAC for drainage and landscape work, roughly $1.5 million in TxDOT transportation-alternatives funding for sidewalks and pedestrian amenities, about $500,000 allocated to water-supply work, with the remaining approximately $5.3 million from the TIRZ and city funds.

Staff noted contingencies including water-line, environmental and safety allowances and roughly $200,000 already spent on right-of-way easements; temporary construction easements for driveway tie-ins remain under negotiation with about 30 property owners along the corridor. The city expects to advertise the bid in early May, hold a pre-bid meeting mid-May and open bids at the end of May, with award returning to council and construction possible by August or September and lasting roughly two years.

Why it matters: the project reconstructs a key arterial, adds pedestrian infrastructure and coordinates multiple funding sources, bringing significant near-term construction impacts and long-term transportation improvements to the city corridor.