US 281 at SH 71 Interchange
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US 281 at SH 71 Interchange

Introduction

TxDOT is proposing safety and mobility improvements at the US 281 and SH 71 interchange in Burnet County. The proposed project would construct a new interchange at US 281 at SH 71. Most of US 281 functions as a local thoroughfare, commuter highway and freight corridor. The Texas Freight Mobility Plan 2018 identifies US 281 as a key highway corridor being used by the agricultural industry in Texas. SH 71 is the main route from Austin into the Hill Country and towards the Highland Lakes region in Burnet County. This interchange is integral to the mobility of freight and commuters, and provides access to popular travel destinations in Central Texas.

Current conditions

Currently, the US 281 at SH 71 interchange is a cloverleaf interchange. Around the interchange, US 281 is a four-lane arterial (two lanes in each direction) and each direction of traffic is separated with a grassy median. At the interchange and west of the interchange, SH 71 is an undivided 2-lane arterial (1 lane in each direction). East of the interchange, SH 71 is an undivided four-lane arterial (two lanes in each direction).

Project background

This project is needed because the US 281 and SH 71 interchange is inadequate to meet current and future traffic volumes, resulting in congestion and reduced mobility. It also lacks adequate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations/connectivity.

Proposed improvements

  • Replacing the current cloverleaf interchange with a turbine interchange
  • Adding elevated structures to improve mobility through the interchange
  • Adding frontage roads to separate high-speed through traffic from local traffic
  • Adding shared-use paths to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians
Contact us
Email TxDOT Austin District
512-952-8270
TxDOT Austin District
7901 N. I-35
 Austin, TX 78753
Project reference

CSJ: 0252-02-058

Existing cloverleaf interchange

US 281 at SH 71 Interchange Existing Cloverleaf Map. A simple illustrated map of the intersection of US 281 and SH 71 that shows the four, existing cloverleafs. US 281 runs from north to south and SH 71 runs from west to east. There is a green semi-circle with arrows showing the cloverleaf from westbound SH 71 to southbound US 281. There is an orange semi-circle with arrows showing the cloverleaf from northbound US 281 to westbound SH 71. There is a maroon semi-circle with arrows showing the cloverleaf from eastbound SH 71 to northbound US 281. There is a blue semi-circle with arrows showing the cloverleaf from southbound US 281 to eastbound SH 71. The key includes all four of the cloverleaf arrow colors: orange for US 281 N to SH 71 W, green for SH 71 W to US 281 S, blue for US 281 S to SH 71 E, and maroon for SH 71 E to US 281 N. For any questions, assistance, or more information, please contact Joe Muck, P.E. at A U S _ U S 2 8 1 a t S H 7 1 @ t x d o t . g o v.

Project location

US 281 at SH 71 Interchange Project Map. A simple illustrated map of the intersection of US 281 and SH 71 that shows three, striped dark blue lines along US 281 and SH 71 indicating the project location. US 281 runs from north to south and SH 71 runs from west to east. The northern section of the map is labeled with the city of Marble Falls and shows a tan area indicating the city limits. Little Flat Rock Creek crosses SH 71 to the west of US 281. Flat Rock Creek crosses SH 71 to the east of US 281. The key includes the three striped dark blue lines indicating the project location, a grey line indicating roads and highways, a blue line indicating a body of water, and a tan box indicating city limits. For any questions, assistance, or more information, please contact Joe Muck, P.E. at A U S _ U S 2 8 1 a t S H 7 1 @ t x d o t . g o v.

Additional information

The project requires approximately 96 acres of proposed right-of-way including permanent and temporary easements and one displacement of a single-family residential structure.

The estimated construction cost is approximately $243M.

Next steps

Next Steps (subject to change):

The schematic design and environmental study is anticipated to be complete in 2026.

  • Public meeting – March 28, 2024
  • Public hearing – April 9, 2026
  • Environmental clearance – estimated fall 2026
  • Construction – TBD

Get involved

Public engagement is an important element of this project. TxDOT encourages the public to be informed and engaged throughout the process.

When meetings are announced, they will be added to this page.

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