An intersection in the heart of Marble Falls morphed into a cleared lot as crews demolished several structures for upcoming work aimed at making the thoroughfare safer.
The work started the week of Feb. 24, as commuters noticed fences installed around the targeted buildings, which included a former restaurant and pawn shop.
“TxDOT partially acquired right-of-way on four properties at the southeast corner of the U.S. 281 and RM 1431 intersection,” Spokeswoman Kellen Mohrmann said. “TxDOT has a safety and mobility project to add a right-turn lane for northbound traffic, rehabilitate
pavement, and make signal improvements at the intersection.”
In essence, the intersection which is currently more of an ‘X’ design will be reconfigured into more of a right angle.
The estimated cost of the project is $11.3 million. Mohrmann said the state project is funded through the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) Category 2 – Metropolitan and Urban Area Corridors.
The state reportedly acquired right-of-way and offered buyouts to property owners.
Precious Commodities, specializing in cus- tom jewelry, gold coins, watch and precious metals, moved its business to 315 U.S. 281, six blocks south of their now-demolished building. Thai Niyom restaurant closed its business with word pending on whether it would move to another location. For now the fueling station remains until mitigation efforts trigger its demolition.
The work comes on the heels of clearing of the northeast corner after properties there were purchased by the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation.
In 2023 and 2024 board members secured removal of unoccupied buildings located at 1001, 1003 and 1009 Main St. – the corner of U.S. 281 and RM 1431 opposite of the newly-demolished site.
The EDC property buildings were previously occupied by an eatery which relocated and a bait shop which closed permanently.
Both projects complimented the process of re-structuring the intersection.
TXDoT officials say the intersection project is expected to go out for bids in mid 2026. “The contractor will be selected through a low-bid process,” Mohrmann said. “The construction timeline is not yet determined.”
