Williamson County and the Texas Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the completion of improvements to the intersection at Sam Bass and RM 1431 in Round Rock. The modifications were completed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). 

The project added a second left-turn lane for northbound traffic on Sam Bass Road at the intersection with RM 1431, helping to reduce delays for drivers turning westbound onto RM 1431. Overall, the improvements included new signage, lane striping, and associated signal programming that accommodates the dual turning lanes. 

“The new signal and lane configuration on northbound Sam Bass Road will allow more left-turning traffic through the intersection,” said TxDOT Georgetown Area Engineer Bobby Ramthun. “That will reduce backups and improve mobility and safety in the area.”

The installation of these additions was fully funded by TxDOT, at no expense to the County. TxDOT expedited the work utilizing an existing traffic signal contract. Austin Traffic Signal (ATS) was the contractor that performed the work.

“Prior to having two designated left-turn lanes, a driver could sit through four traffic signal cycles during rush hour before being able to turn. As the volume on Sam Bass Road continued to increase, the congestion caused by people waiting through multiple lights to be able to turn also increased,” said Williamson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook. “The County’s project on Sam Bass Road has been delayed two years due to utility box relocations. Due to the delay, I sought to have this intersection improvement done now, and I am thankful to TxDOT for agreeing and quickly completing this greatly needed mobility improvement project. As part of our Sam Bass Road improvement project, the County will be adding an additional straight lane on Sam Bass Road at FM 1431 to further help traffic to flow easily through this highly utilized intersection.”

This intersection of Sam Bass at RM 1431 is part of the County’s northwest end of Corridor H.  The goal for this portion of the overall project was to relieve the waiting times at the intersection.