FM 311 Along Upper Guadalupe River in Spring Branch Named ‘No Parking’ Zone
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Spring Branch Mayor James Mayer said Friday that FM 311 approaching the Guadalupe River is now a no-parking zone after safety concerns about growing numbers of people parking and walking along the roadway forced authorities to take action.
The FM 311 bridge area continues to be a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) ‘Texas Canoe Trail’ access point and remains open to the public.
Visitors should make arrangements to be dropped off and picked up.
The action is the result of a joint effort between TxDOT, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Comal County Precinct 4 Constable, TPWD, Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD), property owners and the City of Spring Branch.
“To begin with, FM 311 is a Texas State Highway which falls under the governance of TxDOT,” Mayer posted on BulverdeSpringBranchChamber.com. “The area between the road and the adjacent property lines is the Right of Way (ROW). State law does not allow parking along a state highway ROW. The signage was placed to clearly communicate that parking is not allowed, and while the signage stops roughly a half mile from the river, it should be noted that parking is not permitted along FM 311 in its entirety.”
Mayer said the decision to enforce no-parking laws is the result of growing concern over the increased risk of injury or death due to the large numbers of people parking along the roadway, walking in the roadway and crossing the roadway.
Crowds have increased over the past few years as more people learned about the river-access spot.
“It’s worth mentioning that in addition to the public-safety hazard, these crowds trespassed on private property and left behind their trash, beverage containers and even human waste,” he said. “Law enforcement has responded to countless calls for trespassing as well as drunk-and-disorderly conduct.”
Mayer said the Guadalupe River should be enjoyed by everyone but not abused by anyone.
The FM 311 bridge provides access to the river down a drainage channel. The Austin Chronicle describes it as a “great swimming hole with lots of room.”
