WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County has been awarded over $20 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to support road infrastructure projects, officials said.
The county was the only community in Texas to receive the SS4A grant, which is designed to improve roadway safety and help achieve the goal of zero traffic fatalities. The program was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The grant will contribute to a $25.2 million project covering Williamson County and its cities, including Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock, and Taylor. County Judge Steve Snell said residents consistently identify transportation as a key issue, and the grant demonstrates collaboration between the county and its cities.
The funding will support installation of 3,648 retroreflective signal backplates at 238 intersections, 75 rectangular rapid flashing beacons, 32 speed feedback signs, as well as raised medians, lighting, access management, sidewalks, ramp reversal, and intersection improvements on high-priority corridors. The grant will also fund the relocation of the southbound entrance ramp between the main lanes of Interstate 35 and the frontage road at the Southwest Bypass in Georgetown.
Approximately 80% of the project will be funded by the SS4A grant, with the remaining $4.9 million coming from local sources, including Williamson County Road and Bridge funds, the 2023 voter-approved WilCo Road Bond, and contributions from city governments, which will lead implementation in their jurisdictions. Commissioner Russ Boles emphasized the importance of coordinating transportation plans with local cities to maximize the grant’s impact.
From 2019 through 2023, Williamson County recorded 248 roadway fatalities and 1,254 serious injuries. Officials said the grant will help address safety concerns and reduce serious crashes.