TxDOT kickstarts speed study on Central Texas road amid traffic surge

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation is conducting a speed study on a stretch of Farm to Market Road 973 amid surging traffic volumes along the corridor.

Pflugerville resident Crista Swier has owned a ranch off FM 973 in Manor since 2017. Initially, there'd be the occasional noticeable traffic near the property, adding time to her nine-mile commute between her home and ranch.

But then, in 2021, she said that traffic exploded, and has since amounted to bumper-to-bumper traffic clogging the roadway near her property and beyond. Along with that surge has come an uptick in crashes and near-incidents along the roadway.

"It's gone from being manageable where you didn't necessarily feel like your life was at risk to it literally feels like on a daily basis, you're watching out to make sure you don't get killed on that road," Swier said.

Data recorded in TxDOT's Crash Records Information System (CRIS) found more than 230 crashes along a nearly five-mile stretch of FM 973 — from Steger Lane to U.S. Highway 290 — since 2019. Within that timeframe, 2023 saw the highest number of crashes along that portion of the roadway, with 60 crashes reported in TxDOT's CRIS.

It's a concern Swier said has magnified since the development of Samsung out in Taylor. Since construction began on the semiconductor manufacturing site, she said the roadway is at capacity, adding some drivers have resorted to reckless behavior like speeding and passing on the curve amid the traffic.

In an email to KXAN, Manor Police Chief Ryan Phipps noted traffic issues on FM 973 have posed substantial concerns for area commuters and property owners. The Manor Police Department works with the Travis County Sheriff's Office to patrol the roadway, since some portions fall within Manor's city limits while others lie in the county's jurisdiction.

Phipps said the Manor Police Department has been working with TxDOT, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Rep. Sheryl Cole's office to work on some longer-lasting relief to the problems while they attempt to provide short-term assistance.

"To address concerns, we have increased patrols in the area and deployed police message boards reminding drivers to stay focused," Phipps said in his email. He added he's in touch with the Texas Department of Public Safety to explore possible enforcement opportunities on the state roadway.

TxDOT confirmed to KXAN that its speed study is already underway along FM 973 from U.S. 290 to Farm to Market Road 1160. The current speed limit along the corridor heading into Manor is 65 miles per hour, Swier said.

That TxDOT study is expected to take several months to complete. From there, the Texas Transportation Commission would need to authorize any proposed speed limit changes to achieve full approval, a TxDOT spokesperson confirmed with KXAN.

"An environmental study is also underway for FM 973 from U.S. [Highway] 79 to U.S. 290, which will focus on safety enhancements and mobility improvements along the corridor," the spokesperson added. "It’s important to note, TxDOT also reminds drivers to make smart decisions behind the wheel, including driving to conditions, obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions, never drinking and driving and always buckling up."

This story originated from a KXAN Investigates tip. To send a story idea to our team, fill out this online form or email us at Investigates@KXAN.com.