I’m proud to share an update on one of our city’s most visible and impactful initiatives, the Right-of-Way (ROW) & Beautification Program. Since its launch in June, this program has transformed the look and feel of our major corridors, and I’m happy to report that the progress continues to grow in both reach and results.
Our community takes great pride in how New Braunfels looks, and this program reflects that spirit. What began as a focused effort to enhance areas along IH-35 and Loop 337 has now expanded significantly, covering many of our key roadways across the city. Today, our dedicated ROW Maintenance Team maintains approximately 495.97 acres by maintaining the right-of-way along:
- IH-35 (all grass portions within the city limits)
- SH-46
- FM 725
- FM 1044
- FM 1863
- FM 306
- FM 1101
- FM 1102
- County Line Road
- Klein Road (the Walnut Avenue extension)
Prior to this program, we received frequent requests to mow or pick up litter on TxDOT roadways, which TxDOT is responsible for maintaining, and which the city did not have funds to maintain. Recently, the city budgeted to supplement the mowing and litter pick up on state roadways withing the city limits to help make our city more attractive.
From the “Welcome to New Braunfels” signs along I-35 to the outskirts of town, these areas are kept clean, safe, and well-maintained thanks to the hard work of a small but mighty team.
Just four employees are on the City’s ROW & Beautification crew. They all live right here in New Braunfels, and their dedication goes well beyond the job description. They take real ownership in their work, and it shows. Whether it’s mowing, trimming, litter pickup, or herbicide application, these team members take pride in every stretch of roadway they touch.
Recently, the City also invested in a new litter picker, a specialized piece of equipment that helps rake and collect trash from right-of-way areas more efficiently. This taxpayer-funded purchase has already proven to be a tremendous asset, allowing the crew to clear larger areas more effectively and keep our city looking its best.
When the ROW & Beautification program first launched, the plan was for the City to maintain only certain portions of I-35. But our local crews saw an opportunity to do more, so they stepped up! Today, they maintain the entire I-35 corridor within the city limits, ensuring that residents, visitors, and travelers alike see a welcoming, well-kept landscape as they pass through New Braunfels.
This is no small task, but it’s one that our ROW & Beautification crews take on with enthusiasm and community pride. Their work reduces litter, discourages illegal dumping, and enhances the overall beauty of our city, all while improving safety and supporting economic development.
The City will continue refining this program, exploring ways to improve efficiency, and investing in the tools and staff needed to keep pace with New Braunfels’ growth.
At its heart, the Right-of-Way & Beautification program is about more than mowing and maintenance. It’s about community pride. Every freshly cut roadside, every cleared median, and every litter-free intersection reflects how much we care about the place we call home.
New Braunfels is growing, and as we grow, thanks to the hard work of our crews, and the support of our residents, we remain committed to keeping our city beautiful.
Neal Linnartz
New Braunfels Mayor