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Things are taking off in east Austin
Mobility Authority Breaks Ground on 183 South Project
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The Mobility Authority is pleased to announce that construction of the 183 South Expressway Project is officially underway, following a groundbreaking ceremony held April 6. The project team was joined by a crowd of more than 120 attendees, including federal, state and local officials, business leaders, and members of the community.
Mobility Authority Chairman Ray A. Wilkerson welcomed notable speakers including Texas Senator Kirk Watson, Commissioner Jeff Austin, III of the Texas Transportation Commission and Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gómez. The ceremony was marked by a giant drill rig breaking ground and the honorary guests digging ceremonial shovels into the freshly disturbed earth. The event happened in the shadow of 80-year-old Montopolis Steel Truss Bridge, which will be converted to a bicycle and pedestrian facility as part of the project.
“Beginning work on the 183 South Expressway project is a tremendous win for Central Texas as we build a stronger transportation network and enhance one of our area’s key corridors, which hasn’t seen an upgrade this significant since it was built more than 50 years ago,” said Mobility Authority Chairman Ray Wilkerson. “The Mobility Authority’s hope for this roadway is that it will support broader efforts of making this region and city increasingly livable and accessible for years to come.”
During development of the project, the Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation conducted an extensive 16-month public input process that led to creation of a vision for aesthetic enhancements that will help revitalize the corridor and support greater economic investment.
"The community has been an essential partner throughout the planning process for the 183 South Expressway," said Texas Senator Kirk Watson. "Austin residents prioritized features such as enhanced landscaping and community connections, and I appreciate that the Mobility Authority was committed to developing a roadway that both reflects those priorities and helps to propel Austin forward." |
Honorary guests dig ceremonial shovels into the freshly disturbed earth
Artistic rendering of the trail head at the Colorado River
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AN EXPRESSWAY TO GREATER MOBILITY
Over the past several decades, US 183 has grown from a rural thoroughfare to a major traffic artery, transforming US 183 north of the airport into one of the most congested roadways in Central Texas. We’re tripling capacity along this 8-mile section of US 183 between US 290 and SH 71, a corridor that carries more than 60,000 vehicles each day. The project will involve constructing three tolled lanes in each direction in the median of US 183. The existing US 183 will be reconstructed with up to three non-tolled general purpose lanes in each direction.
The 183 South Expressway is the region’s largest roadway construction project since SH 130 and signifies a major step forward in developing a comprehensive regional transportation system that offers greater mobility, reliable travel times and improved access to affordable housing. In addition to providing a non-stop, signal free route to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the project will include significant bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Construction along the 8-mile stretch of 183 South is expected to last about four years and occur in two phases. Phase one improvements, between US 290/290 Toll and Techni Center Drive, are expected to be complete in 2019. Second phase efforts, stretching further to State Highway 71, are expected to open to traffic approximately a year later.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
The 183 South Expressway marks the beginning of the largest local roadway project in Central Texas ever led by a local entity. Improving safety and mobility are our primary goals, as this area of east Austin has long awaited a reliable link to the greater Austin area as well as the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). All signs say this project will accomplish that, and much more. In addition to expediting airport traffic by offering a non-stop, signal free route for travelers and daily commuters, the benefits of the project extend beyond commuting convenience.
The unsung hero of the 183 South project is the community connection it is designed to create, strengthen, and define. Building a reliable transit route reaches the larger economy by opening up areas for new jobs, housing, and services for a rapidly growing population. While creating jobs in the short term, the project will open the door to boundless opportunities in the future. The 183 South project is the beginning of that future, and we are proud to lead the region on this journey to reconnect Central Texas.
SERVING A MULTI-MODAL TRAVELING PUBLIC
The Mobility Authority is committed to offering multi-modal transportation options for our region, and this project incorporates $25 million worth of bicyclist and pedestrian enhancements along the entire length of the project, which link up with other area trails and parks. |
An artistic rendering of what the new Springdale pedestrian bridge could look like
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STAY INFORMED
We know you depend on US 183 to get where you need to go, even during construction. Click here to subscribe to the project newsletter. You’ll hear from the community relations team every other month with a progress update, or when there is a big milestone in the project schedule. Also, if you would like to receive e-mail and/or text alerts about construction activity and lane closures, click here. For additional information on the project, visit the project website at http://www.183south.com/
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Call our 24/7 bilingual hotline at 512-640-0060
We are committed to being a good neighbor. You can count on us to proactively keep the community informed about construction activities and traffic impacts. Our 24/7 bilingual hotline allows us to listen to community concerns and respond promptly to all questions. Call us at 512-640-0060 or toll free at 1-855-245-4272. |
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