May 8th, 2012
Engineers chosen for I-35, Hunter Road projects

Planned Interstate 35 improvements

STAFF REPORT

Austin-based Klotz Associates has been chosen to design and engineer a widening of Hunter Road in San Marcos between Centerpoint and Posey Roads.

The $3 million project will add a center turn lane and shoulders to the north-south road that parallels Interstate 35 between San Marcos and New Braunfels. It is being funded with state road funds not requiring a county match allocated by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Also last week, the Hays County Commissioners Court awarded an engineering contract to Austin-based HNTB to design new turnarounds, overpasses and entrance and exit ramps on Interstate 35 in Kyle and Buda. The work is expected to cost $15.3 million, also being paid for by the state via CAMPO.

The interstate improvements include adding two lanes to the Robert S. Light Boulevard overpass and adding or relocating 10 entrance and exit ramps between FM 2001 and FM 1626, the Kyle Parkway. In addition, the project will add six so-called Texas turnarounds to overpasses at FM 2001, Robert S. Light Blvd, FM 1626 and FM 150.

The projects must be fully designed by early 2013 and construction must start by August 2013 for the couny to receive the state money, officials said. Engineering firms were asked to submit letters of interest

“Hays County was fortunate to have a number of very qualified pre-approved engineering firms available and interested in these projects,” said Michael Aulick, a former CAMPO executive director who no works for the county as a consultant. “That allows us to meet tight deadlines set by the state to design and build the improvements, and residents and visitors will have safer, smoother travel in Hays County sooner than they would otherwise.”

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