It never ceases to amaze me how quickly and easily issues get blown out of proportion. Take, for example, the proposed improvements for Texas Hwy. 46 through Bulverde. How in the world did the estimated cost for the city of Bulverde’s section go from $12 million to $20 million in just six months? Bulverde is ultimately only responsible for 10 percent of the right-of-way cost through the city, plus the total cost to move the utilities. The city’s share was estimated at $790,000. In addition, the city was asked to be the “banker” and finance a portion of the entire cost of the highway within Bulverde’s city limits, which would have cost the city another $991,000, for a total cost of $1,781,000. If we wait for TXDOT to pay for the road, as they should, it would only cost the city an estimated $790,000.

TXDOT’s proposed plan was to build their standard six-lane highway. They were going to add concrete medians instead of center turn lanes in the business section west of U.S. Hwy. 281. Several businesses justifiably opposed this plan as it would cut off access to their businesses. Even after hearing these concerns, TXDOT was not willing to negotiate, or make any changes to their design. It was either take it or leave it. In addition, they would not guarantee Hwy. 46 would not be designated a hazardous materials route. If Hwy. 46 was designated as such, hazardous material would be taken off Interstate 10 at Boerne and Seguin, eliminating hazardous material from passing through San Antonio. This would create a risk for our schools and businesses that I and others are not willing to accept.

Chapter 6, page 6-6, of the city’s Sunrise 2025 Comprehensive Plan states that “a Highway 46 bypass to the north is envisioned to alleviate the congestion at the Comal ISD schools and HEB shopping center. The city, school district, county and highway department will need to work together to solve traffic problems on State Highway 46.”

Wasn’t Loop 337 built to keep heavy traffic from traveling through downtown New Branufels?

What do we do now? In my opinion, the City should ask TXDOT to work with them on developing a solution that works for Bulverde and the surrounding communities. Here are just a few suggestions I thought of and am sure you, the reader, can come up with more:

Consider building four lanes with a center turn lane (no concrete median).

Construct a turn around under Highway 281, which would allow people to bypass the light if they wish to visit Tractor Supply or Home Depot and the businesses in that area or just go back in the direction from whence they came.

Build a loop around Bulverde for the trucks and those who wish to bypass Bulverde’s business district on their way to Interstate 10.

Consider reducing the speed limit through Bulverde’s business district to 35 mph.

Flatten the hill at Rainbow Drive, making it safer in that area.

If we put our heads together (TXDOT, the city and other concerned parties), I am sure we can agree on a plan that is consistent with the vision statement in the City of Bulverde’s Sunrise 2025 plan, which is, “Bulverde has a transportation network that enables its citizens to get around safely and conveniently, but whose design standards help retain the community’s Hill Country ambience.”

Cindy Cross

Bulverde