Copy
Subscribe

Austin Mobility News: August 30, 2021

Your weekly news update from the City of Austin Transportation Department
Red, yellow and blue icons of people traveling by different modes (car, bus, motorcycle, scooters, walking, wheelchair, bicycling and using mobility assistive devices) in front of icons depicting iconic Austin buildings (Frost Tower, the Capitol, etc).
Facebook Facebook
Twitter Twitter
Flickr Flickr
Website Website
Email Email
RSS RSS
In this week's edition:
Para obtener más información en español, vea este correo electrónico en su navegador y haga clic en la esquina superior derecha para la traducción al español.

Improvements complete on North Lamar Boulevard and Morrow Street
photograph of two people walking and one person biking on a shared use path alongside a two-way street
The intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and Morrow Street has a new look, increased safety and improved mobility improvements thanks to a recently completed Mobility Bond project. This project is designed to reduce the number of crashes at this location and increase safety for all road users.

A key feature of the improvements is the removal of the median island at the intersection's northeast corner. This change, along with new lane assignments, establishes new east-west connectivity and access for people traveling along Morrow Street. Other improvements include:
  • Driveway modifications to increase safety and reduce vehicle conflict,
  • High-visibility crosswalks and new Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA)-accessible curb ramps on all four corners,
  • Upgraded bicycle facilities, including new ramps for people riding bikes through the intersection, and
  • New and relocated Capital Metro bus stops for easier customer access.

These improvements were made possible through a combination of funding from the City of Austin’s 2018 Mobility Bond and Quarter Cent programs. In November 2018, Austin voters approved $160 million in bonds for transportation infrastructure, including $15 million for Vision Zero/Transportation Safety projects. 

New shared use path opens on west side of Longhorn Dam bridge
Left: a photo of a narrow sidewalk along a busy street protected by a chain-link fence. Text reads: Before. Right: a photo of a wide shared use path on the same street, protected by a guardrail. Text reads: After.
A new 12-foot-wide shared-use path is open on the west side of South Pleasant Valley Road over the Longhorn Dam bridge. Construction crews finished the project last week, shortly after the completion of an 8-foot-wide shared-use path on the east side of the bridge in June 2021. 

These improvements are part of the 2016 Mobility Bond project to install near-term safety and mobility improvements to South Pleasant Valley Road from Cesar Chavez Street to Elmont Drive. Construction of the interim improvements began in January 2021 and is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. View a map of the project design.

Future work will include the installation of new travel lane configurations, signal upgrades to better serve the Krieg Softball Complex and flex posts separating the north and southbound travel lanes to reduce motor vehicle crashes. Once complete, these changes will enhance safety for everyone on South Pleasant Valley Road, including the most vulnerable road users. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/LonghornDam.

Provide your feedback on caps and stitches over I-35 
Black and White ariel photograph of Interstate Highway 35 from 11th Street to 12th Street. Photo includes hand-drawn square with stick-figure soccer players in a simulation of where a capped park might be located over I-35 between 11th to 12th Streets.

The City of Austin, in partnership with Downtown Austin Alliance and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is moving forward on plans to cap and stitch I-35 through downtown Austin.  

As part of TxDOT’s $4.9 billion Capital Express Central project, the city and its partners are planning to build large decks or “caps” over the interstate and are planning to widen overpasses above the highway, creating “stitches” that include protected paths for bicycles and pedestrians and improve east to west connectivity for all travelers. 

Plans to cap and stitch the interstate are preliminary and based upon recommendations from the Urban Land Institute as well as ongoing community engagement. The community’s voice will continue to shape the project design, and a survey is open for residents to provide feedback on the locations, features and outcomes they would like to see. 

The city and its partners have the opportunity to cap and stitch I-35 through downtown Austin because of TxDOT’s Capital Express Central project, which includes the reconstruction of I-35. The phased construction of caps and stitches is expected to begin alongside TxDOT’s Capital Express Central groundbreaking, which is anticipated in late 2025.  

A virtual open house is also open through Sept.24 for residents to provide feedback on the Capital Express Central Project. In addition to the materials online, Austinites can stop by the Austin Central Library and Austin Public Library’s Carver branch anytime the two locations are open to see the presentation materials in person.  

You can learn more about the cap and stitch project plans here, and find information on the city’s role and its goals for the I-35 project here.  

Bringing peace to the streets - traffic calming projects complete
Photo at left shows a person giving the 'Peace' hand sign while standing on a speed cushion in a street. Photo at top right shows a view of newly installed speed cushions across a street. Photo at bottom right shows a crosswalk with a curbed road island in the middle of the street. The island includes a walkway through the middle.
Slower speeds mean safer streets. Austin Transportation has completed seven (7) new traffic calming projects along:
  • Abilene Trail from Convict Hill Road to Beckett Road
  • Blessing Avenue from Atkinson Road to East Anderson Lane
  • Colony Park Drive from Loyola Lane to Ritchie Drive
  • Heflin Lane from Springdale Road to Webberville Road
  • Palace Parkway from West Slaughter Lane to West Dittmar Road
  • Powell Lane from I-35 to Georgian Drive
  • Springdale Road from Airport Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
These projects are part of an ongoing program to improve the safety and livability of Austin streets.

Speeding is one of the primary factors that contribute to most fatal crashes in Austin, along with impaired driving, distraction and failure to yield. Learn more about the updated Speed Management Program.

No Refusal Program in effect for Labor Day weekend
A view (from behind) of a person's hands in handcuffs. Text: Decisions make a difference.

The Austin Police Department and Austin Transportation are working to reduce unsafe driving and vehicle crashes by conducting a No Refusal Program initiative over Labor Day weekend. 

The No Refusal Program allows jurisdictions to obtain search warrants for blood samples from suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath or blood tests. It will be in effect Sept. 2-6 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The collaboration between APD and ATD is part of Austin's Vision Zero efforts to make streets safer. Last year, there were more than 1,250 DWI-related arrests during No Refusal Program initiatives.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way this Labor Day weekend or any other time. Learn more about making a plan to get home safe.  

We'll see you September 13! Have a fun and safe Labor Day
Cartoon people in worker uniforms pose and smile. Text: Have a Happy Labor Day
The Austin Mobility Newsletter will take a break next week for the Labor Day holiday. We'll be back on September 13 with all of your Austin Transportation news and events. We hope you all have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Calendar Corner: August 30 – September 5, 2020

RM 620 at Anderson Mill Virtual Public Meeting

TxDOT proposes improvements at the intersection of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road to enhance safety and improve mobility. The RM 620 at Anderson Mill Road intersection is one of the most congested along the corridor. The proposed project would extend for a total of 1.2 miles along RM 620, from approximately 240 feet south of Foundation Road to Little Elm Trail and would include 2- to 3-lane frontage roads plus turn lanes where recommended, elevated bypass lanes at Anderson Mill Road and El Salido Parkway, intersection improvements and improved bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

I-35 Capital Express Central Virtual Public Meeting

TxDOT seeks community feedback on proposed improvements for Interstate 35 between US 290 East and SH-71/Ben White Boulevard. The project plans to remove the existing I-35 decks, lower the roadway and add managed lanes in each direction. The project will also reconstruct east-west cross-street bridges, add pedestrian and bicycle paths and make additional safety and mobility improvements. Public comments are accepted now via the virtual public meeting.

About the City of Austin Transportation Department

The City of Austin Transportation Department works to provide a safe, efficient, innovative, cost-effective and sustainable transportation system that connects roadways, bikeways, walkways and transit systems in order to bring improved access and mobility to our community. We are taking proactive steps to engage and educate the community, which is why you received this news update. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Transportation.
Austin Transportation and Public Works Department
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78767

Add us to your address book
Manage your newsletter subscription Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Website
Email
RSS