Historic move causes temporary road closures

A historic move will cause temporary road closures along Chisholm Trail and RM 620 this weekend. 

"It means they're able to save the oldest city in Round Rock and the Stagecoach Inn was built in 1848 and it served on four stagecoach roofs. It was a place where people could stop at Brushy Creek," according to Shirley Marquardt, the President Round Rock Preservation

Some street closures began as early as Friday morning as crews begin the relocation process of the former Stagecoach Inn, a historic structure at 901 RM 620, that sits in the path of the realignment of RM 620, which will aim to improve traffic flow and safety on one of Round Rock's busiest arterial roads.

The majority of the move will take place Sunday, when the building will cross RM 620 and follow Chisholm Trail to its new location at the future Bathing Beach Park along historic Chisholm Trail.

Starting at approximately 8 a.m., the intersection of RM 620 and Chisholm Trail will be completely closed to traffic, and will remain closed until the building crosses the intersection, which is expected to last an estimated 15-30 minutes.

The traffic signals at the intersection be removed during this process to allow the building to clear the intersection, and traffic at the intersection will be managed by officers for another 1 to 2.5 hours while the signals are re-installed.

Motorists are advised to find alternate routes Sunday morning in order to avoid delays.

Chisholm Trail between Emanuel Street and RM 620 are expected to be closed to through traffic starting 10 a.m. Friday and will remain closed through Monday evening.

Crews plan to build a bridge deck at this time over Brushy Creek to provide additional support as the 100-ton limestone structure is moved to its final resting location.

On Saturday, the Stagecoach Inn will be moved to the bottom of the hill where it currently stands to prepare for the move. Although this will be an impressive feat, the public is asked to avoid the area so workers can focus on the important task at hand.

Due to the unique nature of this project, the schedule for traffic closures is subject to change based on conditions. "There are few places in America that can say they've been able to save one of their most important historic buildings," said Shirley Marquardt.

Once the Inn is relocated, non-profit Round Rock Preservation has plans to restore the building using private donations raised through the group's website, rrpreservation.org. "Rather than look at a picture or see it on TV they can go down there and look at it which adds value to the end."

For more information about the Stagecoach Inn project, click here.