Federal funding awarded
Williamson County has been awarded more than 20 million dollars through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. The funding was announced Dec. 23 and discussed by county officials during a Dec. 30 meeting.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the grant will allow the county to work with several cities to make focused safety improvements aimed at reducing crashes and serious injuries.
What the funding will support
County officials outlined a wide range of safety upgrades planned with the SS4A grant. These include installing 3,648 reflective signal backplates to improve visibility at 238 intersections, adding 75 pedestrian activated warning lights at crosswalks, and placing 32 speed feedback signs along county roadways.
Additional improvements are planned in high priority areas and may include raised medians, new lighting, access management changes, sidewalks, ramp reversals, and intersection upgrades.
The grant will also fund the relocation of the southbound entrance ramp between Interstate 35 and the frontage road at the Southwest Bypass in Georgetown.
How the projects will be paid for
The SS4A grant will cover 80 percent of total project costs. Williamson County will provide a 4.9 million dollar local match using Road and Bridge funds, money from the 2023 voter approved WilCo Road Bond, and contributions from Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, and Taylor for projects within those cities.
Why it matters
According to a county news release, there were 248 traffic related fatalities and 1,254 serious injuries on Williamson County roads between 2019 and 2023. Once the planned projects are completed, officials estimate they could help prevent more than 3,000 crashes and over 89 fatalities.
About the program
The Safe Streets and Roads for All program was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provides 5 billion dollars in funding nationwide from 2022 through 2026. Williamson County was the only entity in Texas to receive an implementation grant in the most recent award cycle.
County leaders said the funding reflects long term planning and a continued focus on improving roadway safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
