Marble Falls seeks traffic safety improvements along U.S. 281 corridor
U.S. 281 sign. File photo
Marble Falls is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on several potential traffic improvements, including studies that could lead to changes along U.S. 281 near the growing Thunder Rock development.
City Manager Caleb Kraenzel presented the possible projects to Marble Falls City Council on June 2, sharing that the city had submitted a request to TXDOT in early May for a signalization study at the intersection of Thunder Rock Boulevard and U.S. 281 to determine whether a traffic signal is warranted.
“The fatality in that area occurred right after that,” Kraenzel said, referring to the May 17 multi-vehicle collision on U.S. 281 that left five people killed.
Following the accident, the city also requested a speed study along the entire South U.S. 281 corridor. Kraenzel said there is no timetable yet for either study.
The city is also continuing discussions with TxDOT on other traffic-related projects, including a potential median on the curved stretch of RR 1431 near Avenue D, synchronization of traffic signals throughout the city and coordination on driveway permits for new developments.
“Obviously summer is a difficult time for us just with traffic in general and one light slips, it affects how well you travel throughout the community,” Kraenzel said.
Kraenzel said TxDOT is pushing communities to consider innovative intersection designs. While the city remains open to the concept, he noted that relatively few have been deployed across Texas, particularly in rural areas.
As of now, Marble Falls is not pursuing the designs, preferring to see them implemented more widely in urban areas so local drivers can gain familiarity with them before considering the addition in the city.