Major crash underscores need for Spicewood intersection project
Emergency crews responded to a three-vehicle collision at County Road 401 and Texas 71 in Spicewood on March 31. One person had to be airlifted by helicopter. The wreck occurred at an intersection set for major safety upgrades in 2025. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
An accident involving three vehicles, one of which was cut in half, shut down traffic at the intersection of Burnet County Road 401 and Texas 71 in Spicewood on Monday, March 31. Emergency crews responded just after 4 p.m. to the scene, where two people had to be extricated and one person airlifted by helicopter to a hospital. No deaths were reported.
The crash added renewed urgency to a long-awaited road improvement project slated for the intersection.
“This was just another example of someone trying to make a left-hand turn and having to sit dead still in a 70-mile-per-hour zone,” Burnet County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, told DailyTrib.com. “It’s a recipe for disaster. That’s why we’ve been advocating for this project for years, and it’s finally about to come to fruition.”
Dockery said the $7 million project will add a full traffic signal at the intersection, deceleration lanes, and a continuous 14-foot center turn lane stretching about three-quarters of a mile in both directions. Right-turn lanes will be put on both sides of the highway.
The improvements are being jointly funded by the Texas Department of Transportation and Burnet County, with the county contributing $100,000. Hunter Industries was awarded the construction contract earlier this year, and a pre-construction meeting is expected soon.
“TxDOT told me the contract has been fully executed and they’re pushing to get that pre-construction meeting scheduled,” Dockery said. “I’m hoping work begins next month (May).”
The intersection lies within Dockery’s precinct and has been a trouble spot for years. Monday’s accident is the latest in a string of serious crashes there.
5 thoughts on “Major crash underscores need for Spicewood intersection project”
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As a Burnet County precinct 4 resident living in this area right between CR 401 and 403—both which have dangerous left hand turns of HWY 71 and also HWY 281, Commissioner Joe Don Dockery has been so kind to listen, repeatedly hear us voice our concerns through the years, and he has been proactive in getting things done. There is now a turn lane on HWY 281 for Old Marble Falls Road/CR 403 and I am relieved to hear a stoplight and true turn lane on HWY 71 to CR 401, so we will not be sitting ducks in 70 mph traffic turning left. Thank you, Commissioner Dockery.
It is a real shame people can’t seem to pay attention while driving. Also, it is just another reason to limit the building of more subdivisions. Too many people every where along 71. Contractors are ruining the area.
If that’s where the pipeline runs under Hwy 71, there should be plenty of money to revamp that area.
I appreciate Commissioner Joe Don Dockery and his support of the Burnet County Precinct 4 residents. He serves the public well. Thanks, Commissioner.
Cannot happen soon enough!