As the city of Kyle and Hays County move forward with a wave of extensive road projects, the promise of smoother commutes and upgraded infrastructure come with a critical reality: land acquisition. For nearby residents and business owners, it’s not just about traffic relief; it's about understanding their rights when their property falls within a planned project area.

Several key corridors across Kyle and throughout Hays County are slated for new roads and expansions. Many will require the government to acquire private land through right-of-way takings. Local landowners are encouraged to contact an eminent domain and condemnation attorney to better understand their rights.

What Hays County’s 2024 road bond means for local residents

Last November, Hays County voters approved a $439 million bond to support 27 transportation projects, ranging from roadway widenings to new thoroughfares and intersection upgrades. Of these, 18 are located in high-growth areas such as Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs and San Marcos, including:

• Centerpoint Road: In coordination with the city of San Marcos, this $30.8 million project involves building an overpass with four divided lanes over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks from I-35 to FM 2439/Hunter Road. Due to the project’s scope, property owners in the vicinity should stay informed about the project’s progress.
• Darden Hill Road/CR 162 Phase 2: Spanning from east of Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 1826 near Buda, this $51.8 million project will construct a four-lane, divided roadway in one of the county’s fastest-growing areas. The scope of the project could make right-of-way acquisition likely. The schematic design was completed through the 2016 road bond program.
• Windy Hill Road improvements: This $40 million project, in coordination with the city of Kyle, runs from Purple Martin Avenue to FM 2001 in Dripping Springs and includes 2.5 miles of new roadway, a roundabout and design for an additional 2.5 miles. The full build-out will include a four-lane corridor, potentially requiring more right-of-way takings.

What’s next for the city of Kyle 2022 road bond

In 2022, Kyle voters approved a $294 million bond for city-led roadway improvements. Construction began in late 2024 on multiple corridors. More than $800 million in total road improvements are planned over the next five years, including more than 20 proposed roundabouts and a citywide trail network known as The Vybe. Some of the projects include:

• Old Stagecoach Road: This $41.2 million project upgrades Old Stagecoach Road from RM 150 to Veterans Drive, including improvements to Center Street. Adjacent to the Old Stagecoach District, a planned mixed-use development, this project will require right-of-way acquisition, with potential impacts to numerous landowners.
• Bebee Road: The $66.7 million Bebee Road project includes realigning sharp curves between I-35 and Sunlight Boulevard and upgrading the corridor through Goforth Road. With four planned roundabouts and proximity to the future Kyle Park District, the project is expected to trigger right-of-way acquisitions.
• Kyle Parkway and Lehman Road extension: At $42.5 million, this project extends Lehman Road to Dacy Lane and Kyle Parkway to the new segment of Lehman. In April, the Kyle City Council authorized the use of eminent domain to acquire more than 15 acres of private property.

When road progress involves private property

Many of these transportation projects require land acquisition, sometimes through eminent domain, the government’s legal authority to take private property for public use. While the process is lawful, property owners often don’t realize that they don’t have to accept the government’s initial offer. They have the right to legal counsel throughout the process, and they’re entitled to full compensation, including damages to remaining property.

Protecting property owners in eminent domain cases

Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC exclusively represent landowners, not the government. If a landowner’s property is near one of these project areas, now is the time to get informed. Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo can:

• Evaluate the full value of their land and any damages
• Challenge lowball offers
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Keep their goals and priorities at the center of the process

The attorneys at Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo have handled hundreds of eminent domain cases across Texas involving major road, rail, pipeline and other utility projects.

Concerned about a possible taking? Contact Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo to discuss your property rights and legal options today.

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