Travis County and LAN Celebrate Ribbon Cutting of New Evacuation Route
By LAN Staff
Officials from Travis County, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) and various community organizations celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the Steiner Ranch Evacuation Route project. The new corridor, designed by LAN, provides a vital safety route for the residents of Steiner Ranch, ensuring a swift evacuation for its more than 18,000 residents during emergencies.
The project was initiated in response to the devastating 2011 wildfire that destroyed 23 homes in the area, highlighting the need for a reliable evacuation route.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Hossein Roshani, LAN’s project manager. “I want to recognize the collaborative effort of all entities involved because this evacuation route is more than a road. It provides additional accessibility for first responders during emergencies.”
The new route, which runs from Flat Top Ranch Road to Montview Drive, was included in a capital improvement plan after authorities realized the vulnerability of the Steiner Ranch community. Austin has been ranked as one of the most wildfire-prone communities, with the most at-risk structures located along canyons, greenbelts and rural areas.
The Steiner Ranch Evacuation Route project features comprehensive engineering services, including roadway design, drainage design, utility coordination and structural engineering. Advanced features such as pervious pavement, retaining walls and mechanically stabilized earth walls were incorporated to ensure stability and environmental sustainability.
Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea emphasized the importance of safety for residents in the project’s development.
“By building this evacuation route, we are improving the safety of Steiner Ranch and Montview residents in the case of fires or other disasters. This is part of how we make our community more resilient in the face of growing climate disasters. I’m grateful for the work of our Travis County staff, area residents, ESD 6 and many other partners.” Shea said.
The project’s planning began in 2012 when Steiner Ranch residents formed a citizen’s association separate from the Steiner Ranch Homeowners Association to address wildfire concerns from the previous year. The county analyzed 12 potential vehicle evacuation routes and narrowed them down to one, Route B. Construction of the new evacuation route, also known as “Evacuation Route B,” began in February 2023.
