BUDA, Texas — The City of Buda will host an open house Thursday to discuss a project that could give commuters another way to get to Austin.
Hays County, in collaboration with the City of Buda, is conducting a study to explore the feasibility of constructing State Highway 45 between Interstate 35 and Ranch to Market Road 1626.
The County said the study is the first step in the development of a potential route, and it will include the analysis of traffic data and environmental constraints. It will also include a thorough outreach process to identify community members' preferred route options.
Hays County commissioners approved the SH 45 Gap Project last year, with plans to spend up to $2.5 million on the new route.
"The people of Hays County, they've been wanting this since before the 45 was built. They wanted it to be built at the same time as the 45," Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones said last September.
SH 45 ends at FM 1626, then picks back up again on the east side of I-35. This project would bridge the gap between.
"The Central Texas region is experiencing unprecedented growth," Commissioner Walt Smith said. "Numerous developments are planned in the area between I-35 and RM 1626. As the area continues to develop, future development of a transportation corridor through the area becomes much more challenging and the opportunity could be lost entirely."
"Hays County, and other regional leaders, have a responsibility to taxpayers, area residents, and the traveling public to fully consider and further investigate the SH 45 Gap Project," Smith added.
An open house on the project will be held on Thursday, June 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sunfield Station Event Center in Buda. The meeting materials will be available online at sh45gap.com from Thursday until Friday, June 30.
Community members can share their thoughts on the project either at the in-person meeting or on the project's website.
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