Transportation Master Plan update presented to City Council

City of Round Rock transportation department director Gary Hudder presented a Transportation Master Plan update to the City Council at a special called meeting on August 31. The City hired HDR to assist in updating the master plan that was originally adopted in 2007.

The goals of the update were to ensure the citizens of Round Rock an adequate future transportation system, to ensure the efficient utilization of the 1997 1/2 cent sales tax dedicated to roadway improvements, to identify major deficiencies in the existing transportation network, and to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Round Rock.  The update comes after a lengthy public involvement process that began in September 2016. In addition to 6 outreach meetings held in the community, over 1,000 responses were received to an online survey.  Concerns and comments ranged from congestion on IH-35 and City roadways, to long commute times, and accidents and safety considerations.

The City has many regional transportation partners including TxDOT and Williamson County and their respective transportation plans were integral to the update.  The City transit plan was also taken into consideration.

While a few additions and minor realignments to main arterials were included in the projected thoroughfare plan, the concentration was on minor arterials and major collector alignments. The goal is to improve the connections of these smaller roads in order to move some traffic off of the main arterials.  Other considerations included a crash analysis to ensure all improvements consider public safety, bicycle and pedestrian needs, and ensuring that, wherever possible, roadways maintain the hometown look and feel desired through landscape elements, sidewalk treatments, and trees.

The Master Plan forecasts to 2040 and outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term improvements over the next twenty-three years. The anticipated total for all projects is $1,165,637,000.  In addition to property tax and the 1/2 cent sales tax dedicated to roadway improvements, potential funding strategies include cost-participation with local and state partners, development impact fees, transportation reinvestment zones, public-private partnerships, chapter 380/381 economic development agreements, and TIRZs and TIFs.

It is anticipated that the City Council will vote to adopt the update at the Council meeting on September 28. The full presentation may be viewed here.

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Source: City of Round Rock