Hays County is seeing a major boost to its road network as four separate projects receive over $64 million in grant awards and enter the early stages of construction or land acquisition. The funding, sourced from federal programs and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), will improve safety, reduce congestion, and support growing traffic demands across the county.
Centerpoint Road Overpass
Crews will build a new overpass at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on Centerpoint Road, eliminating the long‑standing conflict between trains and roadway traffic. The design includes a widened roadway with a median, shoulders, and shared‑use paths on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists. The project secured a $39.23 million federal award through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal‑State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, underscoring the administration’s commitment to modernizing critical transportation corridors.
FM 2001 East Interim Upgrade
The stretch of FM 2001 from Graef Road to southeast of State Highway 21 will be realigned and rebuilt with a single travel lane in each direction, a median, shoulders, and dedicated turn lanes at intersections. This improvement aims to smooth traffic flow and enhance safety for commuters and commercial vehicles. The project received $12,814,451 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funding from CAMPO, reflecting regional support for infrastructure that benefits families and businesses alike.
FM 2001 Gap Elimination
At the Windy Hill Road intersection, a sharp curve has long posed a hazard for drivers. The FM 2001 Gap project will straighten the alignment, improving visibility and reducing crash risk. Funding of $2,422,784 from CAMPO’s Surface Transportation Block Grant program will cover design and construction, further demonstrating the county’s proactive approach to road safety.
Old Black Colony Road Renovation
The two‑lane Old Black Colony Road will be widened, sidewalks will be added, and drainage improvements will be made from FM 1626 to Cole Springs Road. Surveyors have completed the first set of project boundaries, and the property acquisition process is now underway. The City of San Marcos has mailed letters to affected property owners, explaining the acquisition steps and assuring residents that the project will enhance connectivity for local families and support future growth.
What These Investments Mean for Hays County Residents
Collectively, the projects represent a significant investment in the county’s transportation infrastructure, aligning with President Trump’s emphasis on rebuilding America’s roads and bridges. By securing federal and regional grant money, Hays County can move forward without placing additional tax burdens on its citizens. The overpass will eliminate dangerous train‑road interactions, while the FM 2001 upgrades and Old Black Colony Road improvements will provide smoother, safer travel for commuters, school buses, and commercial traffic.
Local officials have praised the grants as a testament to the county’s strategic planning and its ability to partner effectively with state and federal agencies. The projects are expected to create construction jobs in the short term and support long‑term economic growth by improving access to businesses, schools, and community centers throughout Hays County.
Residents can look forward to seeing construction crews on site in the coming months, with project timelines to be released by the County Transportation Department. Updates will be provided through the county’s website and public meetings, ensuring transparency and community involvement throughout each phase.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
