Williamson County, Texas

The C. Bud Stockton Loop Extension is part of Williamson County’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which aims to prepare for current and future growth by maintaining a high level of safety, mobility and quality of life for all Williamson County residents. The project was identified by the City of Jarrell as one of its priority projects for the 2019 Williamson County Road Bond.

The County has been working closely with the City of Jarrell to develop a plan that will extend C. Bud Stockton Loop by connecting FM 487/C. Bud Stockton to CR 305, ultimately extending the roadway to tie into CR 344.  This project will construct two lanes of a future four-lane roadway with turn lanes. Right-of-way (ROW) preservation for the ultimate configuration between FM 487 and CR 344 is funded within the project. Design is currently underway and expected to be completed by summer 2021. Construction between FM 487 and CR 305 is expected to begin in late 2021, pending ROW acquisition and utility relocation. Construction of the segment north of CR 305 to CR 344 is not currently funded.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted the LRTP in October 2009. The plan is regularly updated based on current needs, population projections and anticipated future mobility and safety needs. The planning process to develop the LRTP involves working with the public, cities, neighboring counties and transportation and planning agencies to gather input and coordinate connectivity and mobility. The most recent amendments to the LRTP outline a network of roadways that will improve safety and mobility across the County and includes a map of potential controlled access facilities and arterial roadways. These roadways are conceptual only to show general locations and connections needed. To learn more about the LRTP, visit www.wilco.org/lrtp.

Williamson County has experienced significant growth in recent years, and current population projections predict that this trend will continue. Williamson County is the ninth fastest-growing large county in the nation, having increased its population by 39.8 percent from 2010 to 2019*. The C. Bud Stockton Loop Extension project will help meet the needs of motorists in one of the fastest-growing areas of the county. The 1.3-mile-long project would not only allow drivers to avoid traffic on I-35, but will also reduce delays along FM 487. In addition, it will increase safety and mobility for students and employees of Jarrell High School.

The project limits are from FM 487/C. Bud Stockton to CR 305 (1.3 miles). In a future phase the road will ultimately tie into CR 344.  

The project is currently in the design phase, and a final alignment is expected to be determined by summer 2021. Construction is expected to begin in late 2021, pending ROW acquisition and utility relocation.

Due to the current public health concerns, large gatherings are not recommended. The County will work directly with property owners to discuss their concerns and ensure they are involved in the process.

The C. Bud Stockton Loop Extension project will cost approximately $4 million. The City of Jarrell will contribute $40,000 and the rest will be funded through the voter-approved 2019 Williamson County Road Bond.

As design for the C. Bud Stockton Loop Extension project moves forward, the County’s public involvement team will meet with potentially impacted property owners to discuss the project in more detail. ROW acquisition and preservation for the ultimate configuration between FM 487 and CR 344 is funded within the project. Once the final alignment is determined, the County will work to preserve the ROW by working with willing sellers and developers before property values make it cost prohibitive for improvements. 

The formal ROW acquisition process involves independent appraisals and a negotiation process between the property owner and the County. Specific characteristics of each parcel are reviewed by an independent, licensed appraiser to determine the fair market value for each parcel along the proposed ROW. Any impact of the project on the remaining property after the acquisition and construction of the proposed road facility will be considered when determining the ROW value.

Williamson County carefully considers all ROW needs in an effort to have the least adverse impact possible to homeowners and businesses. The County is committed to conducting ROW negotiations in a manner that respects the private property rights of landowners and strives to achieve voluntarily negotiated ROW acquisitions, whenever possible. Where ROW is needed, the goal is to reach an agreement with each landowner. Williamson County may acquire some ROW through the condemnation process using its power of eminent domain, but only as a last resort after exhausting all reasonable attempts at negotiation.

Maintaining current road and transportation infrastructure is a great priority for the County. Williamson County is responsible for approximately 1,400 miles of county roads spread over an area of 1,124 square miles. By evaluating each road, Williamson County has created a schedule for resurfacing neighborhood and county roads, as well as conducting major maintenance on county roads when necessary. All Road and Bridge Department revenue goes to maintaining the roadway system. If you have a question or request for maintenance on a county road, please email roadadmin@wilco.org or call 512-943-3330.

For more information about this project, or to sign up for email updates, please contact the Williamson County Precinct 3 office by calling 512-943-3370 or emailing comm3@wilco.org. All project materials and updates will be posted on the C. Bud Stockton Loop Extension page of the County website, www.wilco.org/budstocktonextension.