Contributed by: Deborah Bonner, Siena Resident
Siena convened a public gathering to deliberate the impending Old Settlers Boulevard Extension initiative. Among the attendees was State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, a member of the TX House of Representatives Transportation Committee, who extended an invitation to Gerald Pohlmeyer, COOR Transportation’s CIP Manager, to spearhead the session and furnish essential insights into the local impact of the expansion. The project team, including the engineer, manager, and technical expert, also attended the meeting.
Siena residents will gain easier access to desirable Round Rock destinations with the Old Settlers Boulevard Extension. This new road segment, included in the city’s long-term transportation plan, will connect Red Bud Lane to County Road 110, but it will come at the cost of dividing Siena West.
The necessity of extending Old Settlers Boulevard
The Old Settlers Boulevard extension is a long-planned project crucial for Round Rock’s growing community. This new road will connect neighborhoods to major roadways, easing traffic flow. Despite discussions and public meetings, awareness among residents was limited, partly due to the timing coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. To accommodate the expected surge in traffic, the extension will be four lanes, providing better local connections and access to larger roads as development continues in the area.
Extending Old Settlers Boulevard vs. other roads
To keep pace with Round Rock’s growth, the city is modernizing its arterial roads, including an upgrade to Old Settlers Boulevard. This project and other road improvements will progress the overall traffic network. By utilizing existing utility easements, the need for acquiring private property is minimized, enabling a direct route connection to existing and planned extensions of Old Settlers Boulevard.
Timeline Overview
Get ready to see some progress! Construction on the Old Settlers Boulevard Extension is set to begin this fall. They’ll kick things off by installing fencing along the route. The road itself will take about a year to build, with an estimated completion date in fall or winter of 2026. Utility companies are already getting a head start by moving their equipment to make way for the new road.
Expected Construction Details
The project involves constructing a 4-lane divided urban roadway with designated median openings, sidewalks, a shared-use path, and consistent lighting. Signal installations are planned at Red Bud to the West and a new one at CR 110 to the East, with crosswalks at signalized intersections. Additionally, the extension encompasses twin bridges over McNutt Creek, a closed storm drain with curbs and gutters, and continuous shared-use paths and sidewalks for pedestrians. Furthermore, a traffic signal and crosswalk will be set up at the intersection of Old Settlers Boulevard and CR 110.
Safety remains a top priority throughout the Old Settlers Boulevard Extension project. The meticulously planned design incorporates proximity to homes and buildings, ensuring accessibility for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Sight lines, turning lanes, and appropriate speed limits are all carefully considered. This design not only meets but strives to exceed established safety standards, aligning with other arterial roads in the city and region. Additionally, traffic signals and pedestrian crossings will be installed at the intersection of Old Settlers Boulevard and CR 110.
The recycled rubber fence will be used along the new road extension which unfortunately is not a noise barrier wall. This eco-friendly fence will replace the existing wooden privacy fences. Homeowners have the option to retain their wood fence, though the city won’t maintain the space between the two fences. If homeowners decide to remove their wood fence, the city will provide a replacement with a new composite fence, offering residents the opportunity to slightly expand their backyard. Prior to the commencement of construction, all residents will receive notifications.
Access to Siena’s amenities
The Old Settlers Boulevard Extension prioritizes safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. Throughout the project, a 10-foot shared-use path and a 6-foot sidewalk will be built on both sides of the road. These will connect seamlessly to existing walkways in Siena and Old Settlers Boulevard, as well as planned paths along Red Bud Lane. Once finished, residents will have dedicated walking and biking routes linking neighborhoods to existing sidewalks and offering direct connections to Old Settlers Park. A traffic signal and crosswalk will also be installed at the new intersection with CR 110 for added safety.
Park Preservation
To prioritize the safety of the neighborhood park near the new CR 110 and Old Settlers Boulevard intersection, a corridor fence will be installed along the road. This fence will create a buffer zone between traffic and the park, ensuring a safer environment for park users.
More Safety Specifics
The speed limit for the new Old Settlers Boulevard extension will be determined by a traffic study after construction and will not exceed 45 MPH. While a corridor fence will be installed along the road, it’s not a barrier wall. It’s important to note that the new roadway is designed with curbs and gutters to prevent vehicles from leaving the right of way. The four-lane road will also feature a dedicated pedestrian walkway and a bicycle lane for improved safety and accessibility.
Important Notes
Postal Concerns: Mailboxes will be relocated but remain on the same block and delivery won’t be affected.
School bus stops: No disruptions are expected, but parents will be notified if anything changes.
Emergency services: Access will be maintained throughout construction. There might be a temporary increase in response time for non-emergency services, but this is an ongoing issue the HOA is already looking into.
Walking access: A pedestrian walkway will connect to the existing community trails at the new CR 110 intersection with a traffic signal and crosswalks. There might be a temporary loss of access on Porano Circle.
Property values: While unpredictable, the project is expected to maintain or even increase property values due to proximity to Old Settlers Park.
The information shared is attributed to Deborah Bonner, a respected resident of Siena.
Kyle Pfaffe | Realtor® | 512-636-9707
