I-35 Expansion Forces Austinites to Relocate

The widening of Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas, is set to displace dozens of homes and businesses, including apartments, restaurants, health care providers, and small businesses. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will buy the properties and cover moving expenses, but residents and business owners are concerned about the disruption and financial losses. TxDOT's plans for the $4.5 billion project, known as I-35 Capital Express Central, include tearing down the upper decks and adding two lanes in each direction. The construction timeline spans a decade, and the project will require the seizure of over 54 acres of land through eminent domain.