TRANSPORTATION
by Ann Marie Kennon • images courtesy Williamson County
Driving Growth with Road Projects J
STRATEGIC ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN JARRELL
arrell growth will soon reach a new threshold as the city welcomes its first stoplight, a milestone that highlights the city's continued growth. Plans were revealed in December by Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles, who said the new light, at the intersection of FM 487 and C. Bud Stockton Loop, will be installed and working within the next six months. Adapting to this growth, especially near school areas, has meant officials are also considering widening roads to improve safety. Addressing Com-
missioners Court, Jarrell ISD Superintendent Toni Hicks praised the efforts the county has made so far but — recalling an incident in which a student was struck by a car — emphasized the importance of increased safety at the high school's single egress. So, in addition to the stoplight, the county is also widening C. Bud Stockton Loop and building a median. These enhancements are particularly important along the sections adjacent to Jarrell High School, which will benefit from additional access points for safer student and vehicle movement.
LOCAL CONNECTIONS Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles explains, "Commissioners are always assessing growth and moving forward on road projects as quickly as we can. However, challenges arise because while private developments and subdivisions are required to meet compliance requirements at the state level, they do not need approvals from the county for construction. So, often, the first time we are aware of a new development is when the plat is recorded. By that time, construction may have already begun on county roads that weren't originally designed for the type or volume of traffic that immediately follows."
We are often in a position of trying to bring safety to the area — playing catch-up — as quickly as we can as soon as we know that new growth is coming. ~ Commissioner Russ Boles
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M A R C H 202 4 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY