Letter to Lynette Haaland, Publisher/Editor; Four Points News Dear Four Points News, and Residents of the Greater Steiner Ranch area: Steiner Ranch and its neighbors…
recent Facebook postings
www.wevideo.com/view/1712814507
Travis County has wrapped up the design phase for the “Route B” evacuation route for the Steiner area and is now conducting an open house to get your feedback. The open house runs through May 22. Please take the time to study the plan and provide your input:
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
Virtual Open House for Steiner Evacuation:
spark.adobe.com/page/mHMbpCmzkm1Ig/
COMMENTS: Accepted until May 22, 2020 via online comment form (click at end of open house) or mail to:
Travis County TNR
Attention: Katharine Hardin, P.E.
700 Lavaca
Austin, Texas 78701
The proposed construction ONLY adds a portion of the original “Route B” improvement that was recommended and approved back in 2017.
Under this current plan. Flat Top Ranch Rd. to Montview Dr. would be emergency only; however, there is no improvement along the route from Montview Dr. to RM620: Does this now constitute an evacuation route, an “evacuation portion”, or maybe “half an evacuation route”?
In the event Steiner Ranch needed to evacuate, the route appears to need at least some minimum improvements to be effective. Along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. there is a cattle guard at the low water crossing that is in poor shape and slows cars down to no more than 3mph (suv’s might fare better, but that doesn’t matter much when traffic will only move as fast as the slowest vehicles; during an emergency – time is of the essence).
Also, the low water crossing itself is perilously narrow and would not be safe for anything coming in (like a first responder vehicle or large equipment) while traffic is going out. None of these shortcomings are being addressed by the County’s current plan.
Are you comfortable with this path’s ability to save your loved ones, children, and grandchildren in the event of a large wildfire? West Austin is the #5 at risk metro area in the nation for a big fire and Steiner is right in the middle of the highest risk areas. In the event of an evacuation, traffic from Steiner would need to actually get to RM620 along the route at a decent pace to be effective.
There is a significant and understandable sensitivity by neighbors along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. to any changes that would disturb area homes or properties or generally improve the nature of the roadway. There is no need to disturb area properties or violate these wishes in order to implement a minimum set of improvements for safe passage along this route.
We are also still missing clear public education on how an evacuation would take place and how to be informed in the event of an evacuation emergency. These were cited as part of the consulting project with the County originally, and these elements should still be addressed before this project is concluded.
Read and see more at the link below -
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
Steiner Ranch Area Virtual Open House thru May 22
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Travis County has wrapped up the design phase for the “Route B” evacuation route for the Steiner area and is now conducting an open house to get your feedback. The open house runs through May 22. Please take the time to study the plan and provide your input:
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
Virtual Open House for Steiner Evacuation:
spark.adobe.com/page/mHMbpCmzkm1Ig/
COMMENTS: Accepted until May 22, 2020 via online comment form (click at end of open house) or mail to:
Travis County TNR
Attention: Katharine Hardin, P.E.
700 Lavaca
Austin, Texas 78701
The proposed construction ONLY adds a portion of the original “Route B” improvement that was recommended and approved back in 2017.
Under this current plan. Flat Top Ranch Rd. to Montview Dr. would be emergency only; however, there is no improvement along the route from Montview Dr. to RM620: Does this now constitute an evacuation route, an “evacuation portion”, or maybe “half an evacuation route”?
In the event Steiner Ranch needed to evacuate, the route appears to need at least some minimum improvements to be effective. Along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. there is a cattle guard at the low water crossing that is in poor shape and slows cars down to no more than 3mph (suv’s might fare better, but that doesn’t matter much when traffic will only move as fast as the slowest vehicles; during an emergency – time is of the essence).
Also, the low water crossing itself is perilously narrow and would not be safe for anything coming in (like a first responder vehicle or large equipment) while traffic is going out. None of these shortcomings are being addressed by the County’s current plan.
Are you comfortable with this path’s ability to save your loved ones, children, and grandchildren in the event of a large wildfire? West Austin is the #5 at risk metro area in the nation for a big fire and Steiner is right in the middle of the highest risk areas. In the event of an evacuation, traffic from Steiner would need to actually get to RM620 along the route at a decent pace to be effective.
There is a significant and understandable sensitivity by neighbors along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. to any changes that would disturb area homes or properties or generally improve the nature of the roadway. There is no need to disturb area properties or violate these wishes in order to implement a minimum set of improvements for safe passage along this route.
We are also still missing clear public education on how an evacuation would take place and how to be informed in the event of an evacuation emergency. These were cited as part of the consulting project with the County originally, and these elements should still be addressed before this project is concluded.
Read and see more at the link below -
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
Steiner (half-a) Evacuation Route Virtual Open House - Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association
steinerranchna.org
(*)Travis County has wrapped up the design phase for the “Route B” evacuation route for the Steiner area. If you want a recap of route...Travis County has wrapped up the design phase for the “Route B” evacuation route for the Steiner area and is now conducting an open house to get your feedback. The open house runs through May 22. Please take the time to study the plan and provide your input:
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
Virtual Open House for Steiner Evacuation:
spark.adobe.com/page/mHMbpCmzkm1Ig/
COMMENTS: Accepted until May 22, 2020 via online comment form (click at end of open house) or mail to:
Travis County TNR
Attention: Katharine Hardin, P.E.
700 Lavaca
Austin, Texas 78701
The proposed construction ONLY adds a portion of the original “Route B” improvement that was recommended and approved back in 2017.
Under this current plan. Flat Top Ranch Rd. to Montview Dr. would be emergency only; however, there is no improvement along the route from Montview Dr. to RM620: Does this now constitute an evacuation route, an “evacuation portion”, or maybe “half an evacuation route”?
In the event Steiner Ranch needed to evacuate, the route appears to need at least some minimum improvements to be effective. Along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. there is a cattle guard at the low water crossing that is in poor shape and slows cars down to no more than 3mph (suv’s might fare better, but that doesn’t matter much when traffic will only move as fast as the slowest vehicles; during an emergency – time is of the essence).
Also, the low water crossing itself is perilously narrow and would not be safe for anything coming in (like a first responder vehicle or large equipment) while traffic is going out. None of these shortcomings are being addressed by the County’s current plan.
Are you comfortable with this path’s ability to save your loved ones, children, and grandchildren in the event of a large wildfire? West Austin is the #5 at risk metro area in the nation for a big fire and Steiner is right in the middle of the highest risk areas. In the event of an evacuation, traffic from Steiner would need to actually get to RM620 along the route at a decent pace to be effective.
There is a significant and understandable sensitivity by neighbors along Fritz Hughes Park Rd. to any changes that would disturb area homes or properties or generally improve the nature of the roadway. There is no need to disturb area properties or violate these wishes in order to implement a minimum set of improvements for safe passage along this route.
We are also still missing clear public education on how an evacuation would take place and how to be informed in the event of an evacuation emergency. These were cited as part of the consulting project with the County originally, and these elements should still be addressed before this project is concluded.
Read and see more at the link below -
steinerranchna.org/steiner-evac-open-house
CAMPO 2045 survey closes end of day Monday April 27:
www.campo2045.org/survey
If you have not completed the survey yet please do so now to register your support for RM620 fixes.
Recently, CAMPO has pulled back funding for a number of RM620 / Loop360 projects that were previously funded. Of the RM620 projects previously funded, only the Anderson Mill / 620 overpass project is still a candidate to keep since it (TBD) since it uses Category 7 funding and is being evaluated during the month of May vs. other Category 7 projects in the region using a "scoring" criteria. This was a welcome change from a couple weeks ago when CAMPO was going to vote on deferring all RM620 projects last week, but still a big setback.
This is a big step backward from where we were just a few short months ago when we had solid funding for Anderson Mill / 620 overpass as well as widening to 6 lanes in Lakeway / Bee Caves. We were looking forward to the the next round of critical funding for further widening RM620 between US183 and RM2222 including along RM2222 with express lanes, overpasses and ramps. This is critical given the traffic gridlock we see today, the growth along the corridor and the importance of emergency response and wildfire evacuation along the corridor.
While TXDOT is still pursuing design specifications for that next round of projects, the recent funding scenario means we need to stand together and speak even louder up to ensure RM620 does not get left even more behind that it already is in the coming years. We need to get our projects re-funded and keep the next round of fixes moving forward.
Please complete the survey and spread the word!
You can also reach out to CAMPO directly (learn more and get mailing list here: steinerranchna.org/campo-ih35-funding-rm620-impacts/)
www.campo2045.org
The CAMPO Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will use public input to inform their decision on what transportation projects should be prioritized. The TPB has set IH 35 as their highest priority and want to know what comes next. Use the interactive map, 2045 Draft Plan, and 2045 Plan draft Project L...CAMPO IH-35 funding to take roadway fixes away from west Austin metro: All RM620 and many Loop 360 projects proposed for significant delay.
steinerranchna.org/campo-ih35-funding-rm620-impacts/
CAMPO is proposing to pull back funding for all previously approved RM620 projects and a significant number of Loop 360 projects. These deferrals and others will provide $600 million to help the state close the funding gap for their top priority project: IH-35. This includes deferral / pull-back of the recently approved overpasses at Anderson Mill Rd and RM620 last May.
Here is what you can do now to help ensure RM620 remains a priority and that our critical projects do not get further delayed:
1. Complete and share the CAMPO 2045 survey: this is done every 5 years and will impact future funding priorities for RM620 for years to come. It only takes a few minutes to express your support for RM620 – please help spread the word:
www.campo2045.org/survey
2. Familiarize yourself with the issues and contact CAMPO directly:
a. Read our summary messaging doc to familiarize yourself w/ the CAMPO issues / considerations steinerranchna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RM620-CAMPO-Input-April-2020.pdf
b. The summary from (a) was developed together with inputs from other neighborhoods / stakeholders in the RM620 corridor (including River Place and Canyon Creek, WACC), if you have stakeholder contacts or other neighborhoods who want to sign on or add their voice, please do reach out (steinerranchna@gmail.com)
c. Then reach out to CAMPO: Send feedback to the CAMPO Policy Board (TPB): www.campotexas.org/transportation-policy-board/
see link at top of page for a list of emails.
CAMPO will hold its next meeting Monday, April 20 to decide on the $600 million deferral, so please provide input before then.
See this link for more information: steinerranchna.org/campo-ih35-funding-rm620-impacts/
NOTE: we are working together as a corridor (multiple neighborhoods, etc.) to develop a unified view of this challenge; if you have ideas how to augment the view or want to add your voice, please reach out so we can work together as a unified coalition (steinerranchna@gmail.com).
TXDOT has started shutting down traffic on 2222 center lanes while it performs a storm sewer installation associated with the construction lane improvements. They are taking advantage of the lower traffic volumes during the day while COVID-19 work and business restrictions are in place in Austin. The total time frame for the construction is expected to last six weeks. If the COVID-19 work restrictions change TXDOT has indicated they will alter the construction hours to avoid interrupting daytime traffic.
The TXDOT announcement follows:
"Beginning Thursday, March 26, the Texas Department of Transportation will begin work to install a storm sewer water line down the existing center-turn lane of RM 2222 from just east of RM 620 to west of River Place Boulevard in Travis County. During this work, construction crews will close the inside lane of RM 2222 in the east and westbound direction, in addition to the center-turn lane. Work is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and last for approximately six weeks. Dates and times of the closures are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Crews will perform the water line installation work in sections; therefore, lane closures will only be in effect around the active work zone. Additional turn lane closures at the RM 2222 and RM 620 intersection will be in place for the duration of the work. (See attached map for intersection closures.)
We apologize for any inconvenience this work may cause and we appreciate your patience. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact a member of our staff.
Project Contacts:
Tyler Brudnick, Transportation Engineer
512-997-2275
Tyler.Brudnick@txdot.gov
Brad Wheelis, TxDOT Austin Public Information Officer
512-832-7060
Bradley.Wheelis@txdot.gov
"
SRNA Monthly meeting tonight, March 10, 2020 7pm. Bella Mar Community Center.
Agenda:
1. Follow up on signaling issues /changes on 620 / 2222
2. CAMPO /TXDOT funding plan reprioritization /620 implications.
SRNA Monthly meeting; Tuesday, February 11, 2020
7pm, Bella Mar Community Center
1. RM620/2222 project timeline updates and design Q&A with TXDOT.
2. We will discuss the need for interim improvements in the traffic light/signal timing along RM620 and RM2222 while the project remains in construction.
Agenda:
1. RM620/2222 project timeline updates and design Q&A with TXDOT.
If you have specific questions/requests you would like us to pass on before the meeting so TXDOT can be prepared to answer, please forward to chair@steinerranchna.org. We have requested a deep dive on the River Place intersection design.
[ You can reference the design docs and background our last TXDOT project update in July 2019, here: steinerranchna.org/txdot-rm620-2222-bypass-update/]
2. We will discuss the need for interim improvements in the traffic light/signal timing along RM620 and RM2222 while the project remains in construction.
Students traveling on school buses to Vandegrift are frequently late for school even with 1 hour travel time allowed, and commuters regularly encounter extreme delays that are acutely affecting traffic heading N on RM620 then E on RM2222. This direction of travel is often penalized in the current signaling and changes are needed to balance traffic in the interim until construction is complete.
Join us in the conversation to make sure we are fully articulating the problems which need to be addressed with the current traffic signaling.