Adding two elevated toll lanes to MoPac South is still in future plans, but Austin City Council could take a stance on that option during its May 7 meeting.
The option is still part of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO, 2040 plan, but was taken out of the 2035 plan based on community feedback and concerns.
The CAMPO Transportation Policy Board is scheduled to vote on the 2040 plan May 11.
The resolution Austin City Council is considering would direct city staff to study the environmental and area effects of the various options for MoPac South improvements as well as provide other possible options. The resolution would also reflect, if passed with its current language, that City Council opposes the option of adding two lanes in each direction for the elevated structure.
Mayor Steve Adler and District 8 Councilwoman Ellen Troxclair said they are not comfortable with the clause voicing opposition for the two-lane option because it takes an option for possible traffic congestion relief off the table and all options should be considered in order to choose the best one. Most of the MoPac South project area is located in Troxclair's district.
An amended version of the resolution passed Austin City Council on May 7. The amended language by Mayor Steve Adler did not voice opposition for any plan, asked for city staff to conduct studies of the various options and asked for various options, including elevated toll lanes with up to two lanes in each direction, be considered by studies.
The May 7 agenda has 46 items with 32 items on the consent agenda. Other highlights from the agenda include:
- Consider amending city code to add qualifications based on location of home or profession for those who sit on Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission. Pulled off consent agenda, approved.
- Consider changes in regulation on how watercraft must dispose of waste. Austin Water is working on a proposal to rewrite current law, which is slated to come before council in the near future. Approved on consent agenda.
- Consider granting a tax break to 506 properties zoned as historic to help property owners maintain quality of the site. Pulled off consent agenda, approved.
- Consider directing the city manager to create a working group to examine how to improve health conditions of those in the community and address race and socioeconomic-based inequities in Austin. Unanimously approved with Councilman Zimmerman abstaining from the vote.
- Consider authorizing additional funds for construction of highway improvements and a pedestrian bridge over Barton Creek near MoPac. Unanimously approved.
