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Mayor's Update: HWY 281 Expansion Update

7/28/2022

A Town Hall regarding updates to HWY 281 took place on Tuesday, July 19. TxDOT plans to move vehicles via HWY 281 as an alternate route for motorists traveling from San Antonio to Georgetown (currently via I-35). Plans are underway for the expansion of HWY 281 north and south of the City of Blanco and construction is estimated to begin in 2027. This expansion will be approximately 18.9 miles and includes the HWY 281/290 intersection. The number of lanes has not been decided at this time, but there is a possibility parts might increase to six lanes. The City is looking at solutions that will help and hopefully divert some of this traffic off of Blanco City Limits. A possible relief route around the square is being studied currently. If this relief route is approved, it will fall on the City to pay for and accumulate the land needed. TxDOT has an open house for the Blanco County HWY 281 Expansion scheduled for Fall 2022 and should have more information to present at that time. I encourage citizens to contact the state and/or federal elected officials regarding this expansion. In the meantime, the City will continue to work with TxDOT and Blanco County throughout this process to achieve the best results for the community while maintaining the City’s small-town charm. As always, I will keep citizens informed and involved throughout the process.

-Mayor Rachel Lumpee