For drivers who regularly encounter trains along Centerpoint Road in San Marcos, a major transportation project is moving closer to reality.

Hays County has secured a $39,228,602 federal award for the Centerpoint Crossing Elimination and Safety Project, a planned grade separation that would carry Centerpoint Road over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and eliminate the existing at-grade crossing.

The project could bring a significant change to daily travel in a fast-growing part of Hays County, where passing trains can interrupt trips for commuters, school buses and emergency responders. Beyond reducing those delays, county officials say the project is intended to improve public safety while creating a more capable east-west connection between Interstate 35 and FM 2439/Hunter Road.

Federal Funding Covers 80% of Centerpoint Road Project

The award was announced Aug. 14 through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

Federal funding will cover 80% of the project’s estimated $49,035,753 total cost. Approximately $9,807,151 in matching funds would come from Hays County and Union Pacific Railroad.

For local taxpayers, securing outside transportation funding allows Hays County to advance a project of regional significance without relying entirely on local funding sources.

The Centerpoint Road project is located in Precinct 3 and stretches from I-35 west to FM 2439/Hunter Road. Hays County is developing the improvements in coordination with the City of San Marcos.

What Is Planned for Centerpoint Road?

Current plans call for an overpass carrying Centerpoint Road above the Union Pacific Railroad crossing.

The roadway would include two lanes of traffic in each direction, along with a median, shoulders and shared-use paths on both sides. Those improvements are designed to serve not only motorists but also cyclists and pedestrians traveling through the corridor.

Hays County has already completed a preliminary engineering report and schematic design for the overpass. Right-of-way acquisition and final design work are now underway.

The project comes as development continues across San Marcos and western Hays County, increasing pressure on roads that once carried considerably less traffic.

“Every day, drivers, school buses and emergency responders traveling on Centerpoint Road can be delayed by passing trains. That is not only a traffic concern, but it is also a public safety issue,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer. “Elevating the roadway over the tracks would eliminate that conflict and improve safety and mobility. A wider roadway with shared-use paths would also provide a safer connection between I-35 and Hunter Road for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as San Marcos and western Hays County continue to grow.”

Why the Centerpoint Road Rail Crossing Project Matters

Railroad grade separations can have an impact far beyond easing everyday traffic.

Removing the direct intersection between vehicles and trains eliminates a potential collision point while helping emergency vehicles avoid unpredictable delays caused by stopped or passing trains. For nearby neighborhoods, schools and businesses, improved reliability along Centerpoint Road could also make travel times more predictable as the area grows.

The planned shared-use paths add another component to the project by improving connectivity for people traveling outside of a vehicle. As development continues between I-35 and Hunter Road, those connections could become increasingly important for residents looking for safer walking and bicycling routes.

The wider roadway is also intended to provide additional capacity along a corridor linking established San Marcos destinations with expanding portions of western Hays County.

Hays County Secures More Outside Funding for Road Projects

The Centerpoint Road award is one of four Hays County transportation projects to receive outside funding in 2026.

In June, three projects along FM 2001 were selected for a combined $15,237,235 through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2028-2031 call for projects.

Together, the awards represent more than $54 million in outside transportation funding secured for Hays County projects this year.

For a county experiencing sustained population and development growth, obtaining state and federal transportation dollars can play an important role in addressing roadway needs while reducing the portion of major project costs that must be covered locally.

What Happens Next

Right-of-way acquisition and final design are underway for the Centerpoint Crossing Elimination and Safety Project. Construction timing will depend on the completion of those steps and the remaining project development process.

Residents can follow project schedules, updates and future public engagement opportunities through Hays County’s transportation project website at HaysCoRoads.com.

For families and commuters who regularly travel Centerpoint Road, the long-term goal is straightforward: fewer interruptions from trains, a safer crossing and a roadway better equipped for the continued growth of San Marcos and western Hays County.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on the Centerpoint Road overpass, Hays County road projects and other transportation improvements affecting local residents.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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