-
Burnet County Commissioners helped facilitate an upcoming $2.4 million upgrade project by the state at the intersection of CR 401 on Texas 71, which reportedly has been the site of several collisions over the years. Connie Swinney/Burnet Bulletin -
Burnet County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery said that the project will have to be a collaboration with TxDOT due to the merging of a state highway and a county road. He said he and Burnet County Judge James Oakley will continue to advocate for the enhancements. Connie Swinney/ Burnet Bulletin
After nudging by county officials, state contracted crews will soon get to work on a multi-million dollar project at and near the intersection in of Texas 71 and CR 401, plagued by collisions, to make it safer for motorists navigating the Spicewood area.
Through a resolution drafted by Burnet County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery and adopted by commissioners on Nov. 23, 2021, the court asked TxDOT to install and/or construct safety improvements.
The work will include a center-turn lane, acceleration and deceleration lanes, lower the speed limit in the area of the intersection, and install a full traffic signal when traffic warrants are met.
“After another violent collision at the 71/401 intersection on Oct. 29, 2021, the Burnet County Commissioners Court took action, requesting TxDOT add additional safety improvements,” according to a statement Jan. 4 from the county.
In mid-November, TxDOT issued a work order to install a flashing beacon 800 feet before the intersection in both directions, as well as other signage improvements.
On Dec. 1, 2021, Dockery hand delivered to TxDOT officials the resolution, along with numerous written comments from citizens of the area.
The following week, TxDOT submitted a $2.4 million request for safety improvements through the Highway Safety Improvement Projects (HSIP) call for projects that closed Dec. 15.
The request included installation of a 14-foot-wide continuous-turn lane and 10-foot shoulders for threefourths of a mile in each direction from the intersection. Results of the call for projects should be known in the first quarter of 2022.
“The improvements requested will provide drivers who wish to turn left a safe place to do so out of the regular traffic lanes,” TxDOT Burnet area engineer Cathy Kratz said in a statement. It is important to note that safety is a two-part solution, so we encourage drivers to pay attention while behind the wheel, buckle seatbelts, put cell phones away, never drink and drive, obey the speed limit and drive to conditions.”
“This intersection is a merge of the state highway system with our county road system and we have to work in partnership with TxDOT to do all we can to ensure public safety.,” Dockery stated. TxDOT has always worked with us in close collaboration and this is another example of their willingness to address an important situation.
“Judge James Oakley and I will continue to advocate for this project and hope it will be funded in its entirety.”
