DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — Dripping Springs is known to Texans as the gateway to the Hill Country. But as many locals know, that gateway is riddled with extensive construction in both directions along U.S. 290.
The Oak Hill Parkway construction project stretches from William Cannon Drive on U.S. 290 toward Circle Drive, then stretches west up along State Highway 71 from West Oak Hill to Hill Meadow Drive.
The work includes new flyovers and intersections, new pathways for pedestrians and more, all with the goal to help alleviate heavy traffic to and from the Hill Country everyday.
Oak Hill resident Don Weiss lives near the Y interchange at U.S. 290 and SH 71, near Jim's Restaurant. He said while he sees a lot of progress, the burden of daily construction is impacting the quality of life for the area. He and his wife are considering a move to get away from it.
"I'd really like to be in a place with less traffic, with maybe some green around it. Something nice to look at," Weiss said. "Nobody pays attention to any traffic laws or rules. So, in terms of safety, I also ride a motorcycle and I don't want to go on any major roads because people are not watching what they're doing."
A large portion of the work is expected to be done by this fall or winter, but the full completion of the project isn't expected until 2026.