Drivers crawling through east Round Rock traffic just got a preview of their next few years: more cones, more lane shifts, and, eventually, wider roads. Last Thursday, the Round Rock City Council signed off on roughly $1.5 million in construction actions and took a key procedural step toward acquiring right of way for a major road widening effort that includes Gattis School Road. The votes covered a construction contract, several change orders, and an authorization that could lead to condemnation if the city cannot secure all the land it needs. Motorists in affected corridors should expect ongoing lane shifts and intermittent closures as design and construction roll on through the year.
What the council authorized
The newly approved items slot into the city’s broader transportation funding plan and its 2026 certificates program, which sets aside money for intersection work, traffic signals, and right-of-way purchases. The 2026 certificates ordinance specifically lists Gattis School Road and Greenlawn Boulevard among the roadway projects eligible for right-of-way and signal improvements, according to the City of Round Rock.
Contracts and costs
Council action covered about $1.5 million spread across three line items, including a construction contract for the Chandler Road and County Road 119 intersection and funding tied to right-of-way work along the Gattis School Road corridor, according to Community Impact. The Chandler and CR 119 project went to Dan Williams Co. for roughly $841,808, paid from Type B sales tax revenue. On Greenlawn Boulevard, a design update now folds in a new traffic signal and a turn lane near the IDEA Public Schools campus. That Greenlawn overhaul is budgeted at about $13.95 million and remains on the city’s multi-year project schedule.
Eminent domain and right of way
On the land acquisition front, council advanced right-of-way steps for segments 4 and 5 of Gattis School Road, a procedural move that can lead to condemnation if voluntary sales do not cover all needed parcels. Municipal records show Round Rock has previously authorized eminent domain actions for other Gattis School Road work, and Texas law requires a public, recorded vote before a governmental body may initiate condemnation proceedings. See Round Rock Legistar for earlier resolutions and Texas Government Code §2206.053 for the state process.
Timeline and what drivers will see
Greenlawn’s reconstruction is expected to run into spring 2027, and crews have already shifted traffic to install signal arms and continue utility work, Community Impact reports. Gattis School Road improvements are set to overlap with other arterial upgrades, which means drivers can look for temporary lane reductions, new turn lanes popping up, and intermittent overnight closures as crews widen pavement and put in signals. Motorists are advised to plan for detours around work zones and to check project notices for the exact timing of lane shifts.
What comes next
Property owners along the affected stretches will receive notices as the city completes appraisals and negotiates purchases. If talks stall on any parcels, the council could return at a later meeting with final votes to initiate condemnation. For project maps, schedules, and staff contacts on these and other road efforts, visit City of Round Rock Transportation.
