WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS GIVE RECOMMENDATION FOR HIGHWAY 290-36 CLOVERLEAF IMPROVEMENTS

  

Washington County Commissioners have given their stamp of approval for one of the Highway 290-36 interchange improvement plans proposed by TxDOT.

Commissioners at their meeting this (Tuesday) morning selected the “Revised Concept B – Central Direct Connect” plan, which would place new lanes for Highway 290 just south of the current interchange.  The court’s preference aligns with that of the Brenham City Council, who gave its recommendation for Concept B at its meeting December 18^th.

A letter indicating the county’s choice will be sent to TxDOT-Bryan District Engineer Lance Simmons.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said with this letter, along with the comments received from constituents during a public hearing in November, TxDOT will make decisions pertaining to the multi-million-dollar project.

 

In the letter to Simmons, the county says it strongly supports the study and best possible modification of Concept B to include improved access for roadways located farther west on Highway 290.  It says this request is based on the observation of an increased traffic flow westbound on Highway 290 with the removal of the traffic light at Westwood Lane.  It adds that some areas that could be greatly impacted are the Berlin Road crossing and the FM 2679 intersection.

The letter also requests TxDOT to consider improvements creating one-way frontage roads at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad track, which would require an overpass to be built for both frontage roads.

The court is also encouraging the City of Brenham to request funding through TxDOT’s Green Ribbon Landscaping Program to assist with the project.  The county, according to the letter, believes the funding will help the city in its efforts of “improving and beautifying the US 290 Business route.”

Construction at the cloverleaf interchange is expected to begin in 2026.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Approved an order abandoning and vacating roads in unincorporated Chappell Hill, and executed a warranty deed transferring the title of the abandoned/vacated roads on McDaniel property from the county to Charles McDaniel. The streets and alleys in a 1.36 acre tract are located in the Brandt subdivision.  County Attorney Renee Mueller said there was never any indication that these roads were on the county’s maintenance schedule.
• Accepted a bid of $305,610 from Michael Thielemann for the Washington County EMS hangar facility internal completion. The other competing bid was Chappell Hill Construction for $307,609.
• Heard the county clerk’s annual report, Sheriff’s Office’s annual racial profiling report, and Washington County Expo’s monthly report.
• Approved advertising for requests for proposals for lawn services for designated areas within the county. Proposals will be due February 26^th at 2 p.m., and will be accepted on March 9^th.