The I-35 expansion through Central Austin, known as I-35 CapEx Central, is set to be the largest since the highway's opening in 1962, with a budget of at least $4.5 billion and a potential decade-long construction period. The project includes adding managed lanes, tearing down upper decks, sinking main lanes below ground, constructing pedestrian bridges, and more. However, concerns arise regarding the impact on land, homes, businesses, urban sprawl, air pollution, and noise. The plans also involve significant changes to the highway's layout and infrastructure, with potential implications for traffic flow and safety.
Austin organizations, including Rethink 35, have filed a lawsuit and federal civil rights complaint against the Texas Department of Transportation over the I-35 Capital Express Central project, citing concerns about increased traffic, pollution, and negative impacts on communities of color. TxDOT plans to proceed with the project, stating that it has followed environmental and legal requirements and that the opposition's actions are without merit.
Over 300 people gathered in Austin to protest the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) plans to widen Interstate 35 through Central Austin. The rally, organized by the group Rethink35, aimed to halt the $4.5 billion highway expansion project and garnered support from local elected officials. The project, set to begin in mid-2024 and last a decade, has faced concerns about environmental and air quality effects. Calls for action included pressuring the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and potential litigation against TxDOT. Rethink35 plans to file another lawsuit against TxDOT focusing on the project's environmental impacts.
The Whip In, a bar and convenience store in South Austin, will not be torn down for the I-35 expansion as previously planned. The change came after State Rep. Lulu Flores and her predecessor, State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, advocated for the preservation of the iconic venue. While the building will remain, the highway's footprint will still expand up to the Whip In's building, affecting the parking lot. Other businesses in the area will be forced to relocate, but Jimmy's Barbershop will receive assistance from TxDOT in finding a new location. Construction on the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central Project is set to begin next year.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provided an update on the FM 2818 Super Street project in College Station, which began in February 2021 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. The project, contracted to Knife River for $47.6 million, spans 3.2 miles from FM 60 to FM 2154. Recent progress includes the completion of the Holleman intersection and the Jones Butler overpass, as well as the construction of a Shared Use Path for pedestrians and bicyclists. The next major traffic switch is scheduled for late this year, with two lanes opening in each direction on FM 2818 and the re-opening of the direct-connect ramp.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the state's Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have announced a record $142 billion investment in Texas' transportation infrastructure, including a $100 billion 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The plan aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and preserve roadways. Among the projects is the "Downtown 10" project in El Paso, which is halfway funded at $750.5 million. The investment includes funding for widening I-10, extending FM 2185, and improving US 54 and SH 178, among other projects. Governor Abbott stated that this investment will strengthen Texas' roadways and build a next-generation transportation network.
A recurring sinkhole along the northbound service road of MoPac between Loop 360 and Spyglass Drive has prompted concern for drivers. The Texas Department of Transportation is aware of the issue and is working on a long-term repair by upgrading the drainage infrastructure in the area. An electronic warning sign has been added near the sinkhole, and it has been filled.
Parts of Interstate 35 at Williams Drive in Williamson County will be closed for a demolition project beginning Friday evening, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The closure will impact the northbound and southbound I-35 mainlanes on alternating nights to demolish and remove the existing U-turn bridge at Williams Drive. The closure for the northbound lanes between SH 29 and Lakeway Drive would begin Friday at 9 p.m. and last until 9 a.m. Saturday, and the closure for the southbound lanes would be Saturday from 9 p.m. until 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun construction on the Capital Express North I-35 project in Austin, which will cost $606 million and aims to create one high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) managed lane in both directions. The project will also rebuild six bridges, add a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) located at Wells Branch Parkway, reconstruct all entrance and exit ramps, and add intersection bypass lanes. The project is part of a $5 billion plan to decongest I-35, which includes the controversial Capital Express Central project.
