The Texas Department of Transportation is currently developing preliminary plans to improve 19 miles of highway in Blanco County.  Blanco County borders Kendall County, Comal County, and Hays County.  As the population in Blanco County and its surrounding areas continues to boom, the volume of traffic has increased.  TxDOT has initiated a study investigating highway expansion to provide traffic and mobility relief along US 281.  The Austin District is also conducting a US 281 Feasibility Study in conjunction with the Relief Route study.

The proposed segment stretches from US 290 to FM 306 and includes the US 281/US 290 interchange.  TxDOT maintains that the primary purpose for this project is to enhance highway connectivity and minimize roadway accidents due to high traffic volumes.  The project is currently in the environmental and evaluation phase, working through potential routes including a “no build” option.

TxDOT developed four options and left these options open to the public for comment through April 9, 2024.  All potential routes are directed west of US Highway 281 away from Downtown Blanco and onto the surrounding land.  

Blanco area residents are concerned that the expansion of the highway could affect the historic, small-town feel the city provides.  TxDOT has held public hearings to address the public’s concerns as well as exhibit the various proposed routes. 

The environmental study component of the project will conclude in 2025.  TxDOT will initiate Right of Way acquisitions over the course of the next few years.  Impacted property owners have a constitutional right to be paid just compensation if their land is taken.