Many changes coming to I-35 from Kyle to Buda

The stretch of Interstate 35 from Kyle to Buda is in store for a makeover, with the state of Texas approving more than $15 million for construction of entrance and exit ramps and turnarounds at overpasses.

The improvements include six new turnarounds to be built at FM 2001, Robert S. Light Boulevard, FM 1626 and FM 150. The project also includes adding two lanes to the bridge over I-35 at Robert S. Light Boulevard and adding, replacing or realigning entrance and exit ramps from FM 2001 to FM 1626.

“This is one we’ve been waiting on for a while, and we’re happy to get that done,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said. “We’re really excited to get ramps at Bebee Road and I-35 added back in the project. We’ve had several school bus accidents there.”

To take advantage of the state money, which does not require any local matching funds, the project designs must be completed in early 2013 for construction to begin no later than August 2013, according to Hays County officials.

“We could see construction as early as next April,” said Jones, who added the project should take about 18 months.

Last week, the Commissioners Court approved HNTB as the engineering firm for the project along Interstate 35 from Buda to Kyle.

TxDOT has approved about $15.2 million for the design and construction of the I-35 improvements.

A second project set to begin this summer will have major implications for Kyle drivers. In late June or early July, Jones said, the county will start work to reroute a short stretch of FM 150 just east of downtown Kyle. Instead of doglegging along the I-35 access road, FM 150 will loop behind the Dairy Queen and meet Center Street at the I-35 overpass.

Rerouting FM 150 will allow for the realignment of dangerous I-35 access roads from two-way to one-way traffic in Kyle, he said, a project that is also slated to begin this summer.

Also at Commissioners Court on Tuesday, the commissioners approved an agreement with Travis County to move forward with the widening of FM 1626 from FM 967 to Brodie Lane. Under the agreement, Hays County will purchase right-of-way land from the Hays County line to Brodie Lane and be reimbursed by Travis County when funds become available.

“We don’t accomplish anything if we stop at the county line,” Jones said. “We’ve got to go to Brodie.”

For more information about road projects in Hays County, visit www.co.hays.tx.us and select from the Road Information icon.