US 290 from Roger Hanks Parkway to Rob Shelton Boulevard
TxDOT is planning and designing mobility and safety improvements along US 290 between Roger Hanks Parkway and Rob Shelton Boulevard. The project was identified as a need through community input and technical analyses completed for the US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Environmental Study.
The breakout project includes upgrading the existing four-lane divided highway to a six-lane divided highway and adding pedestrian and bicycle accommodations along this 1.5-mile roadway segment.
The Final Design phase of work began in 2024 and also includes environmental, right-of-way acquisition and utility adjustments.
The need for improvements
Today, approximately 31,000 vehicles travel US 290 within the project area. This volume is close to exceeding the available capacity for US 290, resulting in slow travel speeds and traffic congestion. Future travel demand is expected to increase by three times over the next 30 years.
Data shows there is approximately one crash occurring every week along US 290 in the project area. 332 crashes were reported between 2016-2022. One of those crashes was fatal, four resulted in serious injuries and 53 resulted in other injuries. One crash involved a pedestrian.
According to the United States Census Bureau, population in the city of Dripping Springs grew 76% between 2020 and 2023. The significant growth and the rapid development occurring in the area are increasing the need for mobility and safety improvements along US 290 through Dripping Springs.