Event celebrated completion of Hesters Crossing improvement project

Event celebrated completion of Hesters Crossing improvement project

By Kelsey Wilkinson Friday, 17 April 2009

On April 16, the City of Round Rock, Texas Department of Transportation, Round Rock business owners, chamber members and residents celebrated the completion of the $18.3 million roadway improvement project at Hesters Crossing. Despite dreary skies and the threat of rain, nearly 40 people attended the second attempt at the roadway celebration. The original celebration was postponed due to rain.

Mayor Alan McGraw spoke at the event.

“I was in a meeting with a local business yesterday, and we were talking about the improvements to mobility in this area because of this project,” McGraw said. “We joked that people who move here tomorrow and the day after and the day after will think it’s always been this way.”

Approximately 30,000 vehicles pass through the intersection of Mays Street and IH-35 each day. The improvements provide better access to businesses and reduce congestion. Planning for the improvement project began 10 years ago and was spurred on by the dramatic growth in southern region of Round Rock.

“I talked to people the other day who said it’s better now than it was 20 years ago when nothing was there,” said Will Hampton, communication director. He said public opinion about the improvements has mostly been positive.

TxDOT contributed $5.4 million to the project with the City of Round Rock providing the remaining $12.9 million. The city’s funding was provided by a half cent sales tax allotted for city improvements approved by voters in a 1998 election.

Included in the improvements are the replacement of the IH 35 overpass at Hesters Crossing, realignment of Business 35 with Dell Way and the inclusion of various turn around lanes in the area.