Community Voices
Over 100 residents signed the community letter in its first 24 hours alone. Here is what your neighbors are saying.
“Protect Darden Hill Road. This is a neighborhood, not a bypass for 290. This plan is ill-conceived; always has been. Unite and stop this plan.”
— Janet, Driftwood
“Darden Hill should be dropped to 35mph, not raised to 45. This expansion is not serving the residents of the area in one bit. Our peaceful way of life in what's left of the "country" and the safety of the children you claim you are building for should not be sacrificed to distribute heavy truck and vehicle traffic off of 290. This development is irresponsible.”
— Cynthia, Driftwood
“The proposed expansion of Darden Hill is entirely unnecessary. It will destroy the quaintness of our community and increase the level of danger for all those who live and commute down this road. Traffic concerns could easily be addressed by adding strategic turn lanes to the perfectly good two lanes that already exist.”
— DeAnna, Driftwood
“I am gravely concerned about a 4-lane expansion and increased speed limit on Darden Hill. Allowing heavy freight trucks on Darden Hill not only endangers children but also quality of life for all residents who live off Darden Hill and RM 1826.”
— Elizabeth, Austin
“Leave Darden Hill as a residential road serving the residents and schools. Keep it two lane with turn lanes to discourage speeds over 35 mph.”
— Kelly, Driftwood
“We need to maintain structure intended for families and children with schools in such close proximity. If you continue to build this with the intended speed limit, you'll also need to add EMTs and ambulances to keep up with accidents that will definitely occur.”
— Bethanie, Dripping Springs
“As it is, people drive too fast down these two lane roads, and now you all want to throw larger vehicles with the least ability to stop on a dime against small children.”
— April, Dripping Springs
“This would not be a road improvement. It would endanger residents and children. Just because you are moving forward doesn't mean you are making progress.”
— Gary, Austin
“We need to keep Darden Hill from becoming a highway. Yes we need to accommodate traffic for the new high school but keep the quietness of our country roads.”
— Michelle, Driftwood
“Darden Hill Road was THE road that made me fall in love with Dripping Springs/Driftwood. So serene and beautiful…especially during a sunset drive. Please don't pave anymore over this paradise.”
— Allison, Driftwood
“Trucks should use the brand new 290 expansion. Not school zoned areas.”
— Shannon, Austin
“Darden Hill Rd should be no bigger or faster than Sawyer Ranch Rd.”
— Bob, Driftwood
“Please keep our community as a residential road with its hill country charm, our homes, our families, our environment.”
— Alli, Driftwood
“Don't build that hwy! My grand babies go to Cypress… keep Darden Hill safe!”
— Nancy, Austin
“Keep to the approved agreement with the court. 2 lanes. 1 center lane.”
— Debbie, Dripping Springs
“Please… No new highway on Darden Hill. We moved here for the beautiful rural and quietness that this beautiful community offers.”
— Laura, Driftwood
“I ride Darden Hills frequently on my road bike. Two lanes plus a turn lane plus shoulders and sidewalks is PLENTY of expansion for the area. Back it off a notch please.”
— Quentin, Driftwood
“Please re-think this plan. The safety of the children with the schools needs to be top priority and the homeowners who have been left out of the process.”
— Diana, Austin
“Let's keep Darden Hill Road from becoming a highway connector.”
— Linda, Driftwood
“Current design is dangerous with 2 schools on Darden Hill. Very disruptive to rural community.”
— Merry, Driftwood
“Please listen to the people/voters and protect the children and those that live on Darden Hill Road.”
— Patricia, Austin
“This is a safety issue for our kids.”
— Kristina, Austin
“Common sense choices shouldn't need a lot of explanation. Choose the kids' safety and the culture of the area.”
— Angela, Dripping Springs
“The plan should mirror that of Sawyer Ranch. Especially with so many driving high school students. Slow it down at least by the schools.”
— Kristen, Driftwood
“I vehemently reject any further augmentation and development of roadways within Hays County and Darden Hill Road.”
— David, Driftwood
“Darden Hill should continue to be a residential road for safety reasons.”
— Carol, Dripping Springs
“Weight limits for sure!”
— Charlie, Driftwood
“Darden Hill road is home to an elementary and soon to be high school. We need to keep the area safe for children especially teenage drivers and the parents who drive there daily.”
— April, Austin