Multiple street closures proposed to upgrade drainage infrastructure

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court presided over the public hearings about two proposed traffic restrictions – one five-day restriction on Priem Lane and monthlong restriction on Gregg Lane, both starting March 14. Both proposed closures relate to repairing road drainage infrastructure.

The Priem Lane closure is necessary to finish the work of replacing defunct drainage culverts, according to Andre Betit with county Transportation and Natural Resources. Road and bridge maintenance crews will carry out the work.

“The work is intended over spring break to avoid impact to school bus routes, which currently use Priem Lane,” Betit said. He explained that notices have been posted on Priem Lane informing the neighborhood about the project and the public hearing.

Betit said one impacted landowner had reached out to TNR regarding the closure, and that the department has coordinated with the landowner to maintain access to the road.

“A temporary detour around the restriction will be established along adjacent Travis County and Williamson County roads. Local access will be permitted up to the construction area,” Betit wrote in a memorandum to Commissioner Jeffrey Travillion, whose precinct encompasses the road project.

“We have not been notified of opposition to the closure,” Betit told commissioners.

The proposed maintenance on Gregg Lane is related to an earlier project to improve the culvert crossing that is currently in place with a bridge. Culvert crossings are generally intended to divert water from surrounding land under roadways to prevent roadway flooding.

“This closure is associated with a 2017 bond project to upgrade the substandard culvert crossing with a bridge structure,” said David Greear, public works director with TNR. Originally, Greear explained, the plan was to close just one lane instead of the whole road, for 90 instead of 30 days.

“After discussing with TNR staff and the contractor, we have determined that a road closure may be more beneficial for safety to the public and also shorten the duration of the project by 30 days. We have posted signs out for the public hearing. We have not received any calls or comments to this time on this closure,” Greear said.

The public may reach TNR at (512) 854-9433 or (800) 304-1055.

Photo made available through a Creative Commons license.

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