HAYS COUNTY, TX — A new roundabout at RM 3237 and RM 150 was recently unveiled, allowing Hays County to celebrate its newest — and first-ever — county-funded roundabout intersection. Officials from the county, along with American Structurepoint, held a ribbon-cutting event to mark the occasion.

“By using a roundabout rather than a traditional T intersection with signals, the improvements provide more efficient movement of cars through the year 2041, a safer intersection, and environmental benefits,” said Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3.

He added that RM 3227 and RM 150 are busy roads, especially at this intersection considering the popular destination points and roadway connections to other parts of the county.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety of Hays County residents and travelers by constructing safe and effective transportation improvements while honoring the character of the community we all love,” Shell said.

The intersection includes the installation of Dark Sky compliant lights. By working with the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society during design, the county incorporated a warmer amber color, reducing the glare and reducing the amount of light reflecting off the roadway while still meeting Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) design standards.

“This approach not only preserves the local character of the community and allows for more visibility for stargazing, it [also] reduces the impact to the natural habitat for birds and other wildlife,” Shell said.

Cox Commercial Construction was the contractor selected to construct the roundabout. Senior Vice President Darren Okruhlik said, “It’s projects like this that make my job rewarding beyond measure. Blending safety improvements with the look and feel of the community is special, and Hays County has done a magnificent job with this."

Additionally, the county worked through the design to save the historic oak tree at the intersection. Keeping the community in mind while planning for and constructing transportation improvements is key in maintaining the rural character of the area while updating transportation infrastructure.

“American Structurepoint is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Hays County and TxDOT to design the roundabout,” said American Structurepoint President Rick Conner. “As national roundabout experts, it is exciting to showcase our expertise in Central Texas to help address critical issues, including road user safety. American Structurepoint knows roundabouts save lives, and I look forward to Hays County residents and visitors benefiting from the work of the county and American Structurepoint.”