City of Wimberley delving into traffic issues

The city of Wimberley has engaged transportation consultants to study roadway safety, traffic flow, roads and pedestrian issues throughout the city limits and the process has already begun.

The city is working with CP&Y Inc., an engineering, architectural and field services consulting firm with expertise in transportation issues including ADA accessibility, route and feasibility studies along with design and schematics.

Mayor Gina Fulkerson and all five City Council Members met with CP&Y Project Leads John Dean and Stacy Benningfield for a meeting on March 4 that lasted more than two hours targeting future needs and problem areas. The following day, on Market Day, the group was joined by members of the city’s Transportation Advisory Board, Woodcreek Mayor Jeff Rasco, Constable Don Montague and Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dwain York. York arranged for the attendees to ride together on a school bus around town to see roads and traffic issues first-hand on what is traditionally the highest traffic day of the month.

“Superintendent York also brought insight into the challenges of school buses navigating our country roads and bridges,” said Fulkerson.

CP&Y will be providing recommendations and updating Wimberley’s Transportation Plan, which was last reviewed and approved in 2010.

“The Transportation Plan is a major component of the city’s Comprehensive Plan,” said City Administrator Mike Boese. “Council budgeted for this piece first because of the pressing needs created by our ongoing upward trend in visitor traffic.”

Phase One of the process focuses on data gathering and assessment of the current situation, noted Dean. Phase Two includes identifying challenges, constraints and solutions to the concerns that surface in Phase One.

“It’s important to us that we maintain the rural feel of Wimberley while keeping our citizens and roadways safe,” Fulkerson said.

CP&Y has created traffic solutions with municipalities throughout Texas and has recently been working with the City of Kyle. Both Dean and Benningfield bring experience in traffic planning throughout the state. Dean has worked for municipalities managing planning and traffic issues. Benningfield worked at Texas Department of Transportation with a focus on environmental impact.