Protect Our Watersheds, Wildlife & Peaceful Living

United Neighbors of 1826 call for transparency and the halting of TxDOT's proposed widening of RM 1826.

The project is on pause!
Below is the email from TxDOT sent 4/9/25

Good morning,
TxDOT and the project team would like to thank you for your interest in the RM 1826 (US 290 to SH 45) project. This project is being conducted to determine possible roadway improvements and right-of-way requirements needed to address future traffic demands and safety improvements within the corridor. Currently, the project remains in the environmental study and schematic development phase of the project development process.

During a recent meeting with community members, we heard additional concerns related to the project timeline, traffic analysis and potential right-of-way impacts. We would like to inform you that the timeline for this project has been extended to allow the project team to collect more feedback before any advancement of this project. This will also potentially include additional traffic analysis and a reexamination of the schematic designs.

Based on these developments, it is anticipated that there will be no right-of-way acquisitions in the next 4 years. Further discussions with property owners about potential impacts will not occur until continued development of the environmental studies and schematic design.

TxDOT wants to reassure community members that there will be future public involvement opportunities to provide additional feedback during the project development process. Your input is critical and will be used to continue informing the development of the project.

We encourage you to share your comments, concerns, and questions through the email below on an ongoing basis:
• Email: AUS_RM1826@txdot.gov

Again, we appreciate your active participation throughout this process and look forward to engaging with the community at future events.

Thank you,
Megan Dutton
TxDOT Advanced Project Development Director
TxDOT Austin District
A Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) message

Who We Are

United Neighbors of 1826 is a community organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and the well-being of residents living near RM 1826 in southwest Travis County. 

We strive to ensure that community voices are heard and respected in decisions affecting the safety, mobility, and environmental integrity of the area.

• Seven Homeowners Associations
 - Circle C Ranch
 - Lewis Mountain Ranch
 - Overlook At Lewis Mountain
 - Gallant Fox
 - Loma Vista
 - Meridian
 - Zyle Road
• McKownville
• Multiple affected residents not part of homeowners associations
• Grey Rock Golf Course
• JD’s Mall
• Save Our Springs Alliance

Our Mission

Our mission at United Neighbors of 1826 is to unite stakeholders in preserving the rural and unique ecological character of the RM 1826 corridor through responsible transportation design. We seek to minimize environmental and social impacts while enhancing local access, mobility, and safety. Together, we advocate for alternative transportation solutions that honor our shared values and enhance the quality of life for all residents along the RM 1826 corridor.

We call for transparency and the halting of TxDOT's only proposed plan. We want the opportunity to see and comment on alternative road proposals per Texas Administrative Code. 

We urge you to join us in making a difference by adding your signature to the Change.org petition, as together, our voices can create meaningful change.

Sign the Change.org

Rainwater runoff along RM 1826 feeding the Slaughter Creek Watershed. TxDOT's proposed plan would remove these ditches and add significant impervious cover to this area.

Important
Links
Information is power and we want everyone to be as informed and knowledgeable as possible about this project.


  • TxDOT's Proposed Plan
    Schematic maps of TxDOT's only proposed option of a 5 lane thoroughfare are linked under Meeting Materials section.

    How did they end up with this behemoth of a project when they started with the alternatives listed below in TxDOT's Study of RM 1826 from US 290 to RM 150?
  • SUMMARY REPORT and Public Comment answers
    Please note TxDOT's report is a large 666 page 🧐 PDF download
  • TxDOT's Study of RM 1826 from US 290 to RM 150
    Note the linked Fact Sheet on this page showing a 2 travel lane with center turn lane option and a 2 travel lane with center and side turn lane option.

    Why were these not presented as alternative plans at the 3/7/2024 meeting?

    Per the Texas Administrative Code:
    (a) Purpose. A public hearing is held to present project alternatives and to encourage and solicit public comment.
  • TxDOT's Project Tracker
    To view this project on a computer:
    -- In Field 1, choose "Highway Name"
    -- In Field 2, type "RM 1826" then choose "RM 1826" from the dropdown
    -- Next click the red colored road section
    -- On the popup box, the description of the project should read "WIDEN NON-FREEWAY" (it may be on page 1 or 2)
  • TxDOT's Crash Records Information System
    To pull up the actual accident/crash data that was used in the 3/7/2024 public meeting but presented only as a misleading "heat map":
    -- Please use Chrome or IE/Edge on a computer
    -- Click above link, then "Create a new Query using the Query Builder"
    -- Accept the agreement
    -- Select "I want to find all Crashes that meet a certain set of criteria" then Next button
    -- Select "Select crashes from a range of years" then choose Begin Year "2019" and End Year "2022" (the years used by TxDOT), then Next button
    -- Choose "TRAVIS" from the County pulldown and "RM1826" from the Highway pulldown, then Next button
    -- Don't choose any filters, click Next button
    -- Query Summary page, click View Results button
    -- Finally click View Results on a Map button
    -- In the Map Tools, switch between the Standard, Cluster (#'s), and Heat Map
  • TxDOT's Guidelines for Public Comments  (PDF)
  • TxDOT's Traffic Noise Analysis Report  (PDF)
  • TxDOT's Hays County RM 1826 Feasibility Study
Please sign the Change.org to make your voice heard

United Neighbors of RM 1826