In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a request from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for a letter of support regarding improvements at the intersection of Highway 46, River Road, and Esser Road. This request aligns with the city’s strategic goals of enhancing infrastructure and addressing traffic concerns in the area.

The intersection has been identified as one of the most problematic in Kendall County, receiving a level of service grade of \"F\" during peak hours, according to a 2022 Citizens Committee report. City officials highlighted that while TxDOT maintains the roads, the city has been proactive in addressing traffic issues, including acquiring land for potential roadway improvements and submitting grant applications for funding, although these efforts have not yet yielded success.

City representatives emphasized the importance of collaboration with TxDOT, noting that the agency is currently re-evaluating traffic counts and plans to submit a project proposal to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) early next year. The council expressed support for the letter, recognizing that while the city has already invested in land acquisition and planning, substantial funding will be necessary for comprehensive improvements, with estimates ranging from $17 million for minor fixes to $50 million for a complete overhaul.

Council members voiced their commitment to ensuring that the city maintains input in the planning process, as past experiences have shown that TxDOT's proposals may not always align with community expectations. The council ultimately approved the resolution to support TxDOT's efforts, marking a significant step towards addressing the long-standing traffic challenges at this critical intersection.