In response to a series of tragic traffic accidents along U.S. 290, local officials in Manor are sounding the alarm over the dangerous conditions of the roadway and are advocating for urgent safety enhancements.
The call for immediate action comes after three fatal incidents in just two months, raising significant concerns among residents and city leaders about the increasingly perilous state of this vital thoroughfare in east Travis County.
Concerning Statistics
Data indicates that between 2020 and 2025, there were 2,700 vehicle crashes reported on U.S. 290 in Manor, resulting in 19 fatalities. Local leaders assert that the situation has deteriorated notably in recent weeks, with two fatal accidents occurring near Gregg Manor Road, leading to an alarming short-term increase in the death toll.
“We’ve had 19 deaths from 2020 to 2025. And in the past two months, we’ve already had three,” stated Sonia Wallace, a member of the Manor City Council. “That number is unacceptable. We’re experiencing far too many tragedies, and something must be done.”
Identifying the Issues
Local officials attribute the rise in severe collisions to several factors, including inadequate lighting, brief traffic signal cycles that encourage drivers to run red lights, and a surge in regional population growth. “Driving between here and Elgin, it’s extremely dark on the road, and even if someone had an accident, you might not see them,” Wallace added.
Immediate and Long-Term Solutions
To tackle the pressing hazards, the City of Manor is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to implement both short-term and long-term infrastructure upgrades.
The planned improvements include enhancements such as lane extensions, upgraded traffic signals, improved street lighting, and roadway repaving, with completion anticipated by late 2027. Additionally, the proposed U.S. 290 Extension Project, which aims to add tolled main lanes, U-turn bridges, extended turn lanes, and signalized pedestrian crossings, is awaiting a final decision expected in early 2028.
Wallace emphasized the urgency of these infrastructure projects, stating, “We need these improvements to happen quickly to prevent further loss of life. It’s not a matter of preference; it’s a necessity for our community.”
Calls for Increased Law Enforcement
In light of the rising traffic incidents, Sam Samaripa, who is vying for the Manor City Council Place 4 seat, suggested that an immediate solution could be to increase the number of law enforcement officers on the roads. “Numerous drivers are blatantly disregarding traffic laws, and the City of Manor needs to hire enough officers to ensure safety on our roadways. We must prioritize safety both on the streets and at home,” Samaripa asserted. “While the expansion of U.S. 290 is essential, we need to take action now.”
Transportation agencies are currently in the process of gathering public input on the proposed design options for the U.S. 290 corridor, with decisions regarding the extension project anticipated in early 2028.
