Beginning Thursday, May 9, the trip to Gruene will be a bit trickier - but we still want you to be able to get to the historic village to enjoy the summer fare.
As part of the $30 million project that will bring overpasses to guide traffic over the long trains that frequent the area, crews will switch traffic to a new configuration near Hunter Road - the primary street leading from FM 306 into Gruene - to allow for major construction. The new configuration will eliminate the protected left-turn arrow and turn lane from the intersection.
TxDOT is working with the city of New Braunfels to develop a detour route to get folks to Gruene without needing to use the gummed-up intersection, but that route may be a few weeks from being marked. In the meantime, check with the folks at Gruene to find the fastest and best route to arrive at the shops in the area or to enjoy the river.
Earlier this week a combination of a blown fuse on a NBU line and paving work by our contractor contributed to a mess from our own lane closures. The blown fuse was fixed within a half-hour. Our closures were picked up by the afternoon. Truthfully, we were trying a few things out, trying to see what the traffic is going to be like with the new traffic switch. The volumes and the problems we saw out there have led us to push for the proposed detour route we're working with the city to make happen.
Here's the rough news: this traffic switch will be in place through the summer. Truthfully, when we move to the next phase of work, the traffic movement at Hunter isn't going to get any easier.
Some better news: we're working to upgrade the traffic signals that are out there to improve the timing. Over the next month or so, we'll be working by trial-and-error to get the timing right out there: be patient with us. The upgraded signals will work on sensors to trigger the lights appropriately for traffic flow. Those should be in place by July Fourth.
That's it - that's what I've got for now! Remember: if you're looking to enjoy some time in Gruene, take a look at what they've got and their recommendations for some alternate routes before you start your trip!