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On Wednesday, August 13, as part of the Horseshoe Bay POA’s Community Education Series, TxDOT Project Engineer Joe Muck delivered a detailed and engaging presentation at Quail Point Lodge about the proposed Wirtz Dam Road Project. The project aims to create a new roadway connection between RM 1431 in Marble Falls and RM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores, a 3.68-mile stretch, and to construct a new bridge over Lake Marble Falls.

 

 

The proposed plan would reconstruct Wirtz Dam Road as a two-lane, undivided roadway with 12-foot-wide lanes and 10-foot shoulders in each direction. The project’s stated purpose is to reduce congestion on US Highway 281, improve mobility and emergency response times, and provide another crossing over the Colorado River. Traffic analysis indicates that 14% of vehicles on RM 1431 are traveling to a destination along RM 2147 via US 281. The new bridge could divert an estimated 4,600 northbound and 3,300 southbound vehicles from US 281 each day.

 

Joe Muck explained that large-scale infrastructure projects like this can take many years—often decades—from conception to completion. TxDOT’s process involves continuous input from both the public and local officials, and feedback is welcome at any stage. Burnet County is currently completing an environmental study in compliance with national policy, and importantly, the proposal involves no residential displacements.

 

The Wirtz Dam Road Project is a joint effort between Burnet County and TxDOT. Current efforts include coordinating with utilities such as PEC and LCRA for relocation designs, working with landowners to address project impacts, and finalizing drainage easement requirements. Heather Ashley-Nguyen, Director of Transportation Planning and Development for TxDOT’s Austin District, joined the presentation to assist with the Q&A session.

 

Audience members were attentive and asked thoughtful questions, with some expressing concern about potential traffic increases along RM 2147. TxDOT encouraged ongoing community involvement and emphasized that public engagement is an integral part of the project’s planning process.

For more information or to share feedback, call TxDOT’s Burnet Office at 512-756-2316 or visit www.txdot.gov.

For a copy of the entire presentation, click here. The HSBPOA Community Education Series strives to inform and engage Horseshoe Bay residents by connecting them with experts, resources, and timely topics that impact our community.