TxDOT approves millions across region for safer access to schools, communities

AUSTIN – As pedestrian and bicyclist deaths continue to rise in Texas, newly awarded funding will help Texans get safer access to schools, work, public transit, and community destinations around the state.

During its October 28 meeting, the Texas Transportation Commission approved more than $55 million for 41 projects across the state that will build sidewalks, shared use paths, bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and other safety features for people who walk and ride bicycles for transportation. This comes after 2020 saw a 9% increase in pedestrian deaths along with more than a 20% increase in bicyclist fatalities.

“We’re seeing a disturbing trend as more and more pedestrians and cyclists are dying on Texas roadways and it’s been increasing for the past five years,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan said. “This funding will help improve safety for our more vulnerable users throughout the state – and go a long way in helping us achieve our goal of ending the streak of daily deaths.”

Last year, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes, an increase of 9% from 2019. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 82 people, up from 68 deaths the previous year.

Unless we have a deathless day on our roadways within the next week, November 7, 2021, will mark 21 straight years of daily deaths on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX is a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

This federal funding largely comes from the Transportation Alternatives program, with a small amount from the Safe Routes to Schools program.

All award selections come after a competitive call for projects from cities and counties across the state that have a population under 200,000.

The Transportation Alternatives program supports local projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety for people of all ages and levels of ability.

These projects also provide access to multimodal options and connect important community destinations like schools, jobs, downtowns, commercial areas, and medical facilities. 

In the Austin District, four projects in the cities of Dripping Springs, Granger, and Marble Falls as well as Hays County will be receiving the funding.

City of Dripping Springs: Mercer Street Sidewalks ($894,583). Add 6-foot sidewalks on Mercer Street between RM 12 and US 290, then continuing along the north side of US 290 to Rob Shelton Boulevard. The project includes a mid-block crossing along Mercer Street, signage, and striping. It also connects to previously funded projects.

City of Granger: Granger Streetscape Revitalization ($1,269,336). Add ¼ mile of 12-foot wide sidewalks along both sides of FM 971 (E. Davilla Street) between SH 95 (S. Commerce Street) and S. Willis Street. The project also includes crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, pedestrian lighting, and signage. The sidewalks will connect to a Safe Routes to Schools project already funded.

City of Marble Falls: Pecan Valley Project ($1.139,648). Adds about 3500 feet of 5-foot wide sidewalks to existing sidewalks along Pecan Valley Drive south of Trinity Street. The project includes lighting, ADA curb ramps, and drainage improvements.

Hays County: FM 2325 Sidewalk ($971,412). Adds a total of 0.84 miles of six- and 8-foot wide sidewalks along Carney Lane and on the south side of FM 2325 in Wimberley.