TxDOT outlines 2027–30 rural TIP for Kendall County; commissioners press to speed State Highway 46 work

TxDOT San Antonio district representatives briefed the Kendall County Commissioners Court on the 2027–2030 rural Transportation Improvement Program on March 10, describing a package of pavement‑preservation, bridge maintenance and intersection projects the agency expects to be ready for contract over the next four years.

"Every other year, we come out to visit on the rural TIP," TxDOT Deputy District Engineer Clayton Ripps told the court, noting a long record of county projects funded through the rural TIP and the county’s recent move into the Alamo Area MPO (AMPO). Roberto Madrigal, the TxDOT area engineer introduced to the court, said the local list includes seal coats and pavement maintenance in 2027, bridge maintenance on Johns Road in June, and a major set of intersection improvements on State Highway 46 planned for 2028 that will add left‑turn and deceleration lanes.

Madrigal described the TIP as a fiscally constrained list of projects intended to move to contract within four years and said funding comes from federal and state programs and local matches. "These are projects you can expect to go to contract in the near future," he said, and noted an online interactive map and a public comment deadline of April 10, 2026, for residents to weigh in.

Commissioners pressed TxDOT and AMPO representatives about a high‑priority SH‑46 interchange that has been pushed into a later fiscal year. Commissioners said the delay is a significant concern for safety and growth. Commissioner Regent requested more stakeholder meetings as design and scoping proceed; Commissioner Wiesen asked whether AMPO membership would change Kendall County’s funding opportunities. TxDOT staff said joining AMPO opens additional funding “colors of money,” but emphasized that TIP placement depends on project readiness and statewide cash‑flow projections.

TxDOT also warned of constrained state revenues. Ripps and other staff explained that decreased Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 receipts and higher construction costs mean the district has to prioritize projects more tightly than in prior cycles.

What happens next: TxDOT invited local officials and residents to submit comments by April 10 and said staff will continue coordination with the court and stakeholders on SH‑46 scoping and right‑of‑way needs. Commissioners said they will pursue follow‑up discussions with AMPO to explore opportunities for moving key safety projects earlier on the schedule.