Second evacuation route opens for Steiner Ranch area years after 2011 wildfire

Plans for the additional route started years ago, following a 2011 wildfire where people were backed up for hours to leave the area.

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — In case of emergencies, a second evacuation route is ready for Steiner Ranch residents.

The new evacuation route will give Steiner Ranch neighbors another option in case of emergency evacuations, according to Travis County. The additional route will reduce evacuation time for the area.

Plans for the additional route began years ago after a 2011 wildfire where people were backed up for hours to leave the area. The fire damaged over 20 homes and one Travis County deputy constable died.

The new evacuation path, Route B, will only be open for emergencies by first responders.

The project was funded through 2017 bonds, according to the county.

Steiner Ranch community members and county leaders will celebrate the opening of the route Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Prairie Clover Path and Flat Top Ranch Road.

“By building this second evacuation route, we are improving the safety of Steiner Ranch and Montview residents in the case of fires or other disasters," Travis County Precinct 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea said in a statement. "This is part of how we make our community more resilient in the face of growing climate disasters."