The City of Boerne continued its series Boerne Listens: A Community Q&A during City Council’s May 13 meeting. The initiative addresses common themes and feedback from the most recent community survey conducted at the end of last year.
Each session focuses on a topic of interest and features resident comments from each council district. City staff speak directly to these questions and concerns while providing detailed insight.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Boerne’s Director of Engineering and Mobility Jeff Carroll provided a detailed update on the state of mobility and transportation across the community. The presentation outlined how the City is actively planning, maintaining, and investing in infrastructure while also explaining why some commonly requested projects are not currently being pursued.
Carroll’s presentation focused on five core areas:
- Street Maintenance
- Traffic Control
- Pedestrian Safety
- Sidewalk Improvements
- Long-Term Connectivity Planning
Each element was tied directly to input received from residents and supported by data-driven strategies designed to guide future growth while maintaining Boerne’s character.
Read below for key takeaways and watch the full conservation.
Roadways and Traffic Signals
Boerne’s Street Department maintains 83 miles, or 232 lane miles, of roadway. However, much of the traffic infrastructure in the City is maintained by other agencies. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) oversees major highways including I-10, Highway 46 (W. Bandera and River Road), Business 87 (Main Street), FM 474 (Blanco Road), and parts of Esser Road. Additionally, streets in gated neighborhoods are maintained by the subdivision’s homeowner’s association and if a road is not in the City, it is maintained by Kendall County.
This shared responsibility often leads to confusion about who controls what, particularly when it comes to traffic signals. The City maintains just two signals, both along Herff Road, at the intersections of Old San Antonio Road and Oak Park Drive, which have been upgraded to radar-based detection systems. One signal is maintained by Kendall County, while the rest fall under TxDOT’s jurisdiction.
Traffic Calming Measures
Carroll addressed one of the most frequent requests from residents: new traffic signals and stop signs. These types of requests also fall in line with other traffic calming measures, all of which must follow federal “warrant” guidelines as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These nationally recognized standards require thorough data analysis – traffic volume, pedestrian counts, crash history, and more – before a new signal can legally and safely be installed.
In addition to being a best practice, these requirements are critical for eligibility for federal and state funding. They also ensure that our approach is consistent and defensible.
Roundabouts Gaining Ground
Roundabouts are increasingly seen as a preferred alternative to traditional signalized intersections. Carroll cited their safety benefits, including reduced crash severity, fewer conflict points, and continuous traffic flow. The City is currently evaluating several intersections for roundabout feasibility, although they won’t be suitable in all cases.
Pedestrian Safety: Sidewalks and Downtown Safety
Jaywalking and pedestrian visibility downtown emerged as key concerns in the community survey. The City is evaluating crosswalk visibility, signage, and potential enforcement strategies. Improvements will likely require trade-offs, such as reducing parallel parking in some areas. The goal is to create a safer, more walkable downtown while keeping traffic flowing.
Additionally, the City continues to make significant progress in sidewalk construction, particularly in older neighborhoods identified in a recent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) study. Boerne is also developing an ADA Transition Plan to identify non-compliant areas. The City submitted a $2.6 million grant request to fund additional sidewalks citywide.
Streets Condition and Maintenance
Road quality remains a top concern. The City uses a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to assess the health of its roads and prioritize repairs. Thanks to recent budget increases, high-need streets are receiving more attention.
Maintenance efforts fall into two categories: corrective (potholes, reconstruction) and preventative (crack sealing, chip sealing, micro surfacing). Residents are encouraged to report road issues using the City’s mobile app or by calling customer service.
Planning for the Future
Boerne’s Major Thoroughfare Plan (MTP), updated most recently in 2023, guides long-term street connectivity and infrastructure planning. Since 2000, there have been four different studies related to traffic in Boerne and Kendall County. All of which have informed the City’s current Mobility Master Plan.
- 2005: TxDOT Southern Relief Route Study
- 2007: Thoroughfare Planning Citizen Committee (TPCC)
- 2015-2018: TxDOT Kendall Gateway Study
- 2019-2022: Kendall County Boerne Fair Oaks Transportation Committee (KCBFOTC)
A topic of frequent interest is the idea of a bypass or alternate route to alleviate Main Street congestion. While past studies explored this, progress stalled after County officials voted against further planning. TxDOT will not act without unified support from both the City and the County.
Spotlight on Herff and River Road Intersection
One of the most congested intersections in the City and County – Esser Road/Herff Road at River Road (SH 46) – was flagged in the community survey. It currently has a Level of Service “F” rating during peak hours. While the City has developed multiple improvement plans and applied for several federal grants, none have been awarded.
A TxDOT proposal for turn lanes has also been submitted for funding, and the City will know if it is approved later this year. If approved, it would break ground sometime between 2027 and 2030. A full redesign could cost up to $40 million. Any modifications would require City, County, and TxDOT cooperation.
What’s Next?
The City emphasized its commitment to using public input to shape future mobility decisions. Residents will have more opportunities to participate through open houses and online engagement tools.
More information on the history of mobility planning in Boerne and Kendall County, including maps and project updates, can be found on the City’s website.
