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Planning commission recommends Option 3 for Bee Cave thoroughfare plan update
Summary
The Bee Cave Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend Option 3 of a revised thoroughfare plan to city council, citing reduced impacts to floodplain and private parcels and improved circulation near the elementary school.
The Bee Cave Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on March 17 to recommend that City Council approve an amendment to the Bee Cave 2037 comprehensive plan that advances Option 3 of the updated thoroughfare plan.
Sean Lipona and transportation planner Mallory Skates presented the update, describing a targeted revision around the SH 71 / Hamilton Pool Road / Bee Cave Parkway corridor. "The reason that this is coming before a P and Z, recommendation and city council approval with a public hearing," Lipona said, explaining the plan identifies roadway classification, alignments and right-of-way needs. Mallory Skates summarized modeling showing that many segments are near capacity and that "we're basically doubling what the volume is on the roadway today," arguing the update is intended to provide redundancy and relieve congestion.
Staff outlined four alternatives. Skates said Option 1 would minimize impacts to Hamilton Pool Road but would affect private parcels; Options 2a/2b had greater floodplain and buffer impacts and performed worse in traffic models; and Option 3 separates movements with two new intersections on SH 71, which staff concluded best balances traffic performance and environmental/property impacts. "We recommend moving forward with option 3 for the reasons as discussed," Skates said.
Commissioners questioned cost estimates for floodplain crossings and how traffic would redistribute. Staff said the detailed crossing-cost estimate had been requested by council but a final figure was not provided at the meeting; counts and modeling were conducted during school sessions to capture worst-case queuing. Commissioners and staff also flagged a mapping error on the Field of Dreams slide (a private road that does not actually connect to SH 71) and said staff would correct the figure before materials go to council.
The public hearing was opened and closed with no members of the public speaking. The commission will forward the recommendation on Option 3 and the accompanying plan edits to City Council for consideration.
