TxDOT outlines short‑term fixes and long‑term study for State Highway 46 West

Charles Benavides, the San Antonio District engineer for TxDOT, briefed the Kendall County Commissioners Court on May 26 about safety and capacity work planned for State Highway 46 West in the county. Benavides reported that between 2021 and 2025 there were five reported fatal crashes on the Kendall County portion of the corridor and described contributing factors: wet weather (47 percent), DUI or distracted driving (25 percent) and speed‑related factors (21 percent). "We're trying to create 4 feet of space in the center" as part of short‑term resurfacing and restriping to reduce head‑on collisions, he said.

Benavides listed immediate measures TxDOT aims to complete by summer 2026 — adding preformed center‑line rumble strips, refreshed pavement markings and additional warning signage — and described a funded short‑term project to add turn lanes at seven intersections and a 4‑ft center buffer, currently in design and scheduled to bid in September 2027. He said the long‑term feasibility study (paused in 2025 at roughly 60 percent) has been resumed to evaluate 10–15 year options, including 4‑lane divided or 4‑lane undivided configurations and potential right‑of‑way acquisitions. Commissioners and members of the public asked about barrier types, funding sources, and public input during design and planning.