In April of 2024, Garden Ridge City Councilwoman Lisa Swint, at the time Mayor Pro Tem, reached out to City Staff on a proposal that they were "working on to divert heavy truck traffic away from Garden Ridge proper and down the 2252 spur toward IH-35." She noted that TxDOT staff indicated that they would likely need "concurrence from Schertz as the route would go though a small portion of Schertz."  A map of the proposed truck bypass route was subsequently provided (see attached). The proposal from Councilwoman Swint is to not allow through truck traffic on FM 2252, and instead force that traffic down through Schertz on the 2252 spur. 

Staff met with Councilwoman Swint in October to better understand her position. Staff made clear that we would not support a change until the implications were fully understood. In particular, the implication of forcing truck traffic that currently used FM 2252 to get to and from FM 3009 and FM 1337 down the spur of FM 2252 (the section that runs north/south from FM 2252 proper to the intersection of FM 482 and IH-35 near FS #2). Staff has concerns that the 2252 spur has not been sufficiently improved to handle the additional traffic. Further, staff has concerns about communities not considering the entire region in decisions they make with regard to land use and transportation issues. To date not traffic studies have been done to understand the change in traffic patterns of the proposal.

In November, staff received a request from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) to meet "to initiate a conversation about safety mitigation measures for the high volume of trucks using FM  2252 and FM 1337 in the Garden Ridge area." Included on the email were representatives from TxDOT, Garden Ridge and Schertz. The meeting occurred in December. Also at the meeting were a Comal ISD Board member and Comal ISD's Director of Transportation. Representatives from State Representative Carrie Isaac's office and State Senator Campbell's office was also invited, but could not attend. Schertz Staff indicated our support in working with other entities on existing safety issues and noted some past actions we had taken in this regard, including Schertz Police Department's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement efforts. Staff reiterated our position that we would not recommend changes for the proposed truck route to the Schertz City Council without data to understand the implications and potential measures to mitigate negative impacts. Staff also made clear we did not support suggesting or encouraging businesses to alter their traffic patterns. Sonia Jimenez from AAMPO would look at seeing if this area could be added to their Freight Study. TxDOT provided a copy of the relevant section of TxDOT's Sign Guidelines and Applications Manual.

In light of the number of entities becoming involved in this effort, staff felt it would be beneficial for Council to make clear their position at this point. As such staff has drafted Resolution 25-R-006 stating that the City of Schertz is opposed to promoting or requiring any changes in traffic patterns, particularly of truck traffic, on FM 2252 until studies have been conducted to understand the implications of such a change and any negative impacts on Schertz have been mitigated. Further the Resolution emphasizes the need to work in partnership on regional issues and to cooperate to solve regional challenges.
  

 

To ensure that adequate consideration is given regarding the implications and impacts of any proposed or contemplated changes being mandated or promoted to existing traffic patterns in the vicinity of FM 2252. 

Ensure the City of Schertz, its residents and businesses are appropriately considered in any changes regarding traffic patterns, particularly truck travel, through the City of Schertz. 

Approval of Resolution 25-R-006 expressing the City's position regarding consideration of a truck bypass route on FM 2252.

Approval of Resolution 25-R-006.