Comal County commissioners will discuss and consider approval of the second phase of a study establishing an alignment schematic for a ‘West Connector’ linking I-35 and FM 2722 at their weekly meeting Thursday.
Page-Dawson Engineers Inc. conducted a feasibility study for the roadway, which would be located approximately seven miles west of downtown New Braunfels.
If approved, the county engineer will update a major thoroughfare plan signed in 2004 that dedicates public right-of-way on a street or road that functions as a major thoroughfare.
The project is divided into three segments: South Segment from IH-35 to FM 1863, North Segment from FM 1863 to SH 46, and North Extension from SH 46 to FM 2722.
The report recommends providing a 400-foot-wide right of way from I-35 to FM 1863, and a 250-foot-wide right of way from FM 1863 to FM 2722.
The right-of-way would provide for an initial four-lane divided roadway, address environmental constraints, and allow enough room to deal with steep slopes in the alignment.
The proposed width provides room for possible future expansion if growth continues and meets Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) roadway standards that would allow the county greater flexibility in the future.
According to the feasibility study, by 2060, an estimated 33,000 vehicles will travel from I-35 to FM 1863 daily. Almost 30,000 vehicles will travel between FM 1863 to State Highway (SH) 46, and 12,500 vehicles will pass from SH-46 to FM 2722.
