DARDEN HILL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Hays County is planning for improvements to Darden Hill Road and RM 150 from RM 1826 to RM 12. Improvements are being planned in phases and studies are being conducted to determine what improvements are most feasible and beneficial for the area while fitting within the unique character of the community. The improvements to Darden Hill Road will tie into improvements at RM 150 near Woods Loop to create an improved connection between RM 1826 and RM 12. There is currently no funding for final design, right of way acquisition, or construction plans.
Open House Spring 2023
Hays County hosted an open house on May 17th, 2023, and accepted public comments on the project until June 2, 2023, to share updates on the Darden Hill Road Improvements project and receive feedback from the community. The County and the project team have reviewed and responded to all comments. You can review all comments received and responses in the open house summary.
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Additional funding is required to continue with the detailed design. Hays County is actively seeking funding to continue with the project and will share updates with the community as funding becomes available.
Population growth coupled with new and planned development has heightened the need to improve the local roadways to optimize their existing efficiency and increase capacity. These improvements will provide transportation solutions to provide route options, optimize roadway efficiency and improve safety, mobility, and connectivity.
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Project Goals:
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Improve safety, mobility, and connectivity between RM 1826 and RM 12
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Design improvements that will enhance the transportation experience in the area
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Coordinate with property owners and the community to share information and determine feasible solutions
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Improvements Being Studied:
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Widening from two to four lanes with a median and shoulders
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Adding accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists
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Installing roundabouts at select intersections
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Background:
The need for improvements to the Darden Hill Road corridor was first identified in the following Plans:
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2013 – Hays County Transportation Plan recommended improvements to Darden Hill Road including the addition of a center turn lane.
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2017 – RM 150 West Character Plan identified the need for improvements and extension
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Continued growth and development in Hays County, including Dripping Springs, has sparked interest in advancing improvements identified in both Plans.
Proposed Improvements to Darden Hill Road
RM 1826 to Sawyer Ranch Road
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Widening from a rural two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with a median and shoulders
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Adding accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists
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Intersection improvements at Darden Hill Road and
RM 1826
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This project is in the early schematic design phase and more detailed design of proposed improvements will occur following this phase.
Anticipated Timeline
2022
Data collection
& analysis
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Early 2023
Preliminary design, property owner, and community meetings
Mid 2023
Refine preliminary design
Late 2023
Share updates
Early 2024
Finalize
preliminary design
TBD
Detailed design, right of way acquisition, construction
(Pending funding)
We are here
Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 12
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Extending Darden Hill Road to RM 150 near Woods Loop
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Widening from a rural two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with shoulders
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Adding accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists
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Installing a roundabout at Woods Loop and Darden Hill Road
Improvements to this section of Darden Hill Road are still in the early planning stages and studies are being conducted to determine the most feasible and beneficial options for the area. The extension of Darden Hill Road will tie into improvements planned for RM 150 from RM 12 to Woods Loop. Improvements to RM 150 include widening from a rural two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with shoulders and adding accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.
Hays County will continue to coordinate with property owners and the community throughout this process. Additional information will be provided as studies move forward and phases for improvements are identified.
Hays County is planning intersection improvements at RM 150 and RM 12. Learn more about this project.
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When is RM 1826 going to be improved and how will that tie into the improvements to Darden Hill?The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently studying the feasibility of improvements to RM 1826 from US 290 to RM 150. These potential improvements include upgrading the existing 2-lane road to a 4-lane divided roadway with bicycle and pedestrian paths. The feasibility study is anticipated to take one year to complete. At this time, there is no funding identified for detailed design or construction of the potential improvements to RM 1826. View the TxDOT web page for updates on this study: RM 1826 from US 290 to RM 150 (txdot.gov) The County recognizes the significance of collaborating with TxDOT as these projects progress. The Hays County Darden Hill Road project involves coordinating with TxDOT during the design phase and the TxDOT feasibility study for RM 1826. As both projects advance and identify funding, Hays County and TxDOT will maintain open communication to ensure alignment of project phases and final plans.
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Will the improvements to Darden Hill include native landscaping?Design details such as native seeding for erosion control will be developed and shared with the community as the project moves into future phases of design. Preliminary design for the project was funded through the voter approved 2016 Road Bond and additional funding will be needed to construct the roadway. Natural vegetative filter strips will be included in the median. These filter strips remove sediment and other pollutants before the water drains to existing creeks while keeping a more natural feel to the area.
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What is the proposed speed for the improved roadway?The design speed limit for the improved roadway is expected to be 45 mph.
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Will the improved roadway include sound barriers?Hays County does not typically include noise barriers on locally funded projects. However, the County recognizes that noise can be disruptive to adjacent property owners, and will consider using a special pavement that dampens roadway noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
