texas 71 signSen. Kirk Watson has proposed improvements for a dangerous segment of SH 71 using a newly-created “safety fund.” Watson wants to establish a long-term safety fund which would initially set aside $30 million of the $65 million from TXDOT’s allocation for toll road projects on SH 71 and US 290, and get matching funds from local governments. Eventually the fund could be sustained by toll revenues via the CTRMA. The plan will require approval by the CAMPO Board.

TXDOT has already implemented short-term improvements, including adding water-absorbent pavement and roughening the pavement. In addition, the Texas Transportation Commission reduced speed in the area from 65 to 60 mph.

TXDOT hopes to get environmental approval for the $850,000 barrier project by Jul 1 and have them in place by the end of the year or early 2009. A public hearing for environmental approval is scheduled for Apr 24.

Plan pitches barriers for dangerous part of 71 - Austin American-Statesman