CC71 - Citizens for Change on 71

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Improving HWY 71 West
Monday October 8th 2007

Sept 07 Column
by Gerald Daugherty

As with much of western Travis County, the area along Hwy 71 West has seen enormous growth in the last few years. With more and more people wanting to live in a hill country setting, we can only expect this growth to continue as development continues. In addition to the ever-increasing Travis County residents, out of county travelers who use this road every day face challenges while driving Hwy 71 in this part of the hill country.

Ever since I became your Precinct 3 Commissioner I’ve seen the need for improvement of Hwy 71 West and have had numerous meetings with the Austin office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to discuss my concerns. I also see the need for alternative routes around the bottlenecks along this road, and have worked tirelessly to develop a better road system in this area so that drivers can more efficiently move about in western Travis County. It’s obvious the “don’t build any more roads & they won’t come” mentality doesn’t work. So the State and County must fulfill their responsibility to plan for and ensure an adequate road system in the Hwy 71 West area.

Many of you are aware that the section of Hwy 71 West between Oak Hill and the Pedernales River has had an increasing number of accidents and fatalities in the last few years. In the past few months this stretch of road has been the object of considerable scrutiny by area residents and County officials. While deliberating approval of preliminary plans for future developments along Hwy 71 West, the Commissioners Court received many emails, phone calls, & letters expressing concern about the effect on Hwy 71 West traffic. Dialogue between citizens, the County, and TxDOT has generated a plan for improving Hwy 71 West.

For the short term (within 3 years), the Commissioners Court has asked TxDOT to lower the speed limit on certain sections to 55 mph. Some areas could have a centerline barrier, other sections would have centerline stripes repainted and outlined. Reflective 1” raised bumps would be added to the center and shoulders of the road to alert drivers who are passing over the center or off the side of the road. The most troublesome sections would be repaved with “permeable asphalt” (which allows water & oil to pass through) to improve traction and help prevent hydroplaning. Traffic signals could be installed at Southwest Parkway and at Covered Bridge Drive. Plus, speed measuring & display devices will be set up at problematic areas to flash your speed and to collect traffic data for analysis.

For the mid term (3-7 years), plans are to add a continuous left turn lane and 10’ shoulders, plus install deceleration lanes for right turns at intersections. For the long term (7 years and beyond), TxDOT would reconstruct portions of the road to eliminate limited sight distances created by hills, curves, & valleys. Where feasible there would be a 30’ grass median between opposing lanes of traffic. Several grade separation intersections would be constructed, as well as direct connect ramps for Southwest Parkway, Bee Caves Rd, and RM 620.

In response to an increase in traffic problems on Hwy 71 West, a group called Citizens for Change on 71 (CC71) was recently formed. Their purpose is to help promote a safer Hwy 71 from Oak Hill to the western Travis County line. Their website, www.cc71.org, has information on how to join, sample emails to send to all officials responsible for upgrading Hwy 71 West, and a petition urging TxDOT to expedite those improvements. I urge you to join this group, and help support the action needed to make this roadway a safer drive for everyone who travels on it and for those who live along it.

For those of you who want more information about safety and highway improvements on Hwy 71 West, CC71 is hosting a public forum at Bee Cave Elementary School, 14300 Hamilton Pool Road at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2007. A TxDOT engineer and I will be available to answer questions regarding Hwy 71 roadway projects and safety concerns. If you can’t be present, you may submit your question to CC71 by emailing them at info@cc71.org. And as always, feel free to call or email my office with your suggestions on how we can improve mobility in this vital traffic corridor.