HORNSBY BEND, Texas (KXAN) — People in an east Travis County neighborhood have had to wait hours and hours in traffic just to drive a few miles.
They said if their only road to the highway shuts down, it can take hours to get out of the area.
It happened just last week when Farm to Market Road 969 was closed in both directions near State Highway 130 Wednesday morning after a fatal crash.
‘That road is actually our lifeline’
People said they’ve been waiting years for new roads in the area. One of those people is Richard Franklin III.
“We have been trying to get a road, another exit or entrance into this neighborhood, alternatively off of 969, away from 969 for the last 20 years.”
Richard Franklin III, east Travis County Resident
There’s been a plan to create another route to SH 130 for a while now. Travis County said the road was originally part of a 2017 bond but when Tesla moved into the area, the project was added to the company’s performance incentive agreement.
The county said that means Tesla is in charge of designing and constructing the road, but the county said there have been some delays on Tesla’s side.
Travis County remains committed to completing the Harold Green Extension project as quickly as possible. We will continue to work with all interested and invested parties to make sure the community’s and county’s needs are met. We appreciate the community’s patience as we navigate current delays that are outside of our control.
Hector Nieto, Travis County Spokesperson
Franklin III said time is of the essence for people who live here, and he won’t stop pushing for this road.
“Seven years since the passing of the bond and we’re still having a conversation about when they’re going to build the road,” Franklin III said.
Delays leave people worrying about the next crash that will keep them at a standstill.
“It’s a way of life for us,” Franklin III said. “That road is actually our lifeline to everything that happens.”