U.S. 79 Widening In Williamson County Proposed

ROUND ROCK, TX — The state's transportation agency is proposing safety and mobility enhancements by widening U.S. 79 from Interstate 35 to east of FM 1460 in Williamson County, officials said Wednesday.

To that end, the Texas Department of Transportation is providing a draft environmental assessment for public review ahead of a virtual public hearing on the plans scheduled Friday at 10 a.m. To log onto the virtual public hearing, visit www.txdot.gov and enter the search keywords: “US 79”.

A pre-recorded video will be available as well as other project materials, officials added. The presentation will remain available for viewing until Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m.

Proposed improvements include:

• Widening the existing U.S. 79 highway to include a third travel lane in each direction.
• Installing a raised median for safety.
• Constructing an underpass at the intersection of U.S. 79 and Mays Street, an overpass at the intersection of U.S. 79 and FM 1460, and reconfiguring the US 79/I-35 intersection.
• Modifying driveways and access points to improve safety and traffic flow.
• Installing shared-use paths on both sides of US 79 to provide improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.

Additionally, the Texas Department of Transportation is providing an in-person option for individuals preferring the option over participation online. In-person attendees will be able to view the same presentation delivered in the online public hearing, review the project schematic design, ask questions of project staff and leave written comments while adhering to physical distancing guidelines designed to help blunt the spread of the coronavirus, officials said in an advisory.

The in‑person option is scheduled to take place on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the state agency's Georgetown Area Office & Maintenance Facility, 2727 S. Austin Ave., in Georgetown, Texas. In-person attendance will be by appointment only. Individuals wishing to attend the in-person option must call Patricia Kelly at (512) 659-3230 to make an appointment.

For both the virtual public hearing and in-person option, members may comment by phone, mail or email through Friday (Dec. 4). All testimony and timely written comments will be considered by the Texas Department of Transportation to be included as part of the official record, officials noted.