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.
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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.
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
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
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
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 shoulders
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Adding accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists
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Intersection improvements at Darden Hill Road and
RM 1826
This project is in the early schematic design phase and more detailed design of proposed improvements will occur following this phase.
Anticipated Timeline
Spring 2022
Data collection & analysis
We are here
Summer 2022
Preliminary schematic design & community meeting
Summer to Fall 2022
Refine schematic design
Fall 2022
Community meeting
Late 2022
Finalize schematic design & begin right of way negotiations
Ongoing: Property owner coordination and meetings
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 is planning intersection improvements at RM 150 and RM 12 and expects construction to begin later this year. Learn more about this project.
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.