Making Progress on Highway 71

There is good News! When I ran for office I talked about building coalitions and working together to  find solutions. Working with community groups like Citizens for Change on 71 (CC71) and other elected officials we have been able to secure funding to make some temporary safety improvements on Hwy 71.

·    Installation of concrete barriers to prevent crossover accidents
·    Reduced speed limits. Speed limits will be dropped by 5 miles per hour on most of Hwy 71
·    Increased law enforcement presence and enforcement
·    Center lane rumble strips to warn drivers when they stray over the center line
·    Porous road resurfacing for better drainage and traction (Bee Creek to Pedernales River)
·    Additional signage and flashing lights to warn and slow down drivers

It’s important to listen to the community affected by the proposed changes. It’s rare that the first pass at resolving a problem is absolutely perfect. Many of our neighbors on Hwy 71 have reviewed the proposed temporary fixes and suggested some modifications.  Working together we increase the chances that the solutions we develop work for all of us.

Permanent solutions for improving safety on Hwy 71 are on the way. CAMPO voted to create a Transportation Safety Fund. With approval, the $30 million Safety Fund will be used to match contributions from the county, developers, and some private land owners to fund:

·    Widening Hwy 71
·    Creating a center turn lane
·    Creating adequate shoulders

District 47 is growing by leaps and bounds and with that growth has come thousands of cars using a road that was not built to carry the current traffic load. I know that my frustration with the state’s inability to provide necessary transportation funds mirrors your own. I will continue to fight for adequate funding for our roadways to ensure our family and friends arrive home safely.

While these improvements are being made, please drive carefully. Slow down, watch the curves and be cautious as you come to the top of the hill….you never know what’s on the other side. Your life and the lives of Texans young and old depend on you!