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Williamson County to Study Toll Lanes on Ronald Reagan Boulevard

Aerial view of Ronald Reagan Boulevard showing traffic congestion and planned construction for toll lanes.

News Summary

Williamson County Commissioners have approved a resolution to conduct a comprehensive study on adding toll lanes along a 28-mile stretch of Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The initiative, funded by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, aims to address increasing traffic congestion due to rapid population growth in the area. The study will evaluate cost and revenue implications, with a focus on improving traffic flow between Cedar Park and Jarrell. Public opinion remains mixed as officials engage local communities in the planning process.

Cedar Park, Texas – Williamson County Commissioners Court has approved a resolution for a comprehensive study assessing the potential addition of toll lanes along a 28-mile stretch of Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The proposed corridor runs from FM 1431 in Cedar Park to I-35 in Jarrell. The project will be funded and conducted by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA).

The study aims to evaluate the cost and revenue implications of creating an eight-lane controlled access roadway. This evaluation comes amid rising traffic congestion in Williamson County, which has increased due to rapid population growth. Officials have noted significant congestion on southern segments of Parmer Lane, indicating a need for future roadway expansions.

Williamson County recognizes the fast-growing communities of Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill, and has highlighted past efforts to address transportation through the formation of CTRMA over 25 years ago in partnership with Travis County. The Ronald Reagan Boulevard corridor is an integral part of the Wilco Transportation Plan, which outlines plans for main lanes and frontage roads.

Following a presentation from the County’s Senior Director of Infrastructure, the Commissioners Court authorized a two-part traffic and revenue study by the CTRMA. If the study indicates a viable project, CTRMA will present its findings to the Williamson County Commissioners Court for collaboration with local cities on future phases and design schematics. The anticipated outcome of this project would be the addition of two toll lanes in each direction on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, aimed at improving traffic flow and alleviating congestion.

The study is expected to take up to nine months and will incur a cost of approximately $600,000, entirely funded by CTRMA, ensuring no financial burden on Williamson County taxpayers. Current plans indicate that existing free lanes will remain toll-free even if the toll project is approved.

Currently, the southern section of Ronald Reagan Boulevard experiences over 52,000 vehicles daily, highlighting the urgency of infrastructure improvements. The estimated cost for constructing about a third of the proposed toll lanes, specifically from FM 1431 to Texas 29, is around $500 million. The construction will unfold in phases as funding becomes available, with Segment B from State Highway 29 to FM 3405 already funded through 2013 Road Bonds.

Public sentiment surrounding the potential tollway has been mixed, with opinions divided among residents. Some express concern regarding tolls, while others support the initiative, citing the necessity for congestion relief. County officials are actively engaging with nearby municipalities, including Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, and Liberty Hill, to prioritize various segments of the project and develop a cohesive long-term vision.

The CTRMA has been pivotal in managing transportation projects across Williamson and Travis counties since its establishment in 2002. Past projects, like the 183A tollway, illustrate the lengthy timeline transport initiatives can entail, often taking decades from planning to completion.

As the study commences, officials remain focused on addressing the growing transportation needs of Williamson County, preparing for future developments that would enhance connectivity and support the region’s increasing population base.