Recent updates from TxDOT show the section focused on Westlake Drive and Cedar Street, which proposes several upgrades to both intersections on Loop 360, has cleared the environmental stage this spring and has moved onto the utility relocation phase.
“Increased traffic congestion at Westlake Drive, Cedar Street and elsewhere along Loop 360 has resulted in a lack of mobility and increased safety concerns,” information from TxDOT states. “Unless something is done, traffic conditions will worsen as our population grows.”
Information from TxDOT states construction of the project is now anticipated to begin in early 2022.
Work within the project’s scope includes removal of the traffic signals from the Loop 360 main lanes at Westlake and Cedar.
The construction of an underpass at both intersections, including nonsignalized U-turns at Westlake and the addition of a shared-use path and sidewalks, are also included in the project’s work order. Work on the Westllake and Cedar portion of the project began in 2018, and information from TxDOT states the utility relocation stage should last approximately 18 months to two years.
The total cost of the Loop 360 Project comes from a 2016 $46 million mobility bond provided by the city of Austin combined with a $204 million investment from TxDOT. That cost could go up or down as planning continues, according to Bradley Wheelis, public information officer for TxDOT.
Wheelis also said TxDOT has recently changed two other projects within the Loop 360 plan. The new endeavor is called the Loop 360 from MoPac to RM 2244 project, and TxDOT will hold a virtual workshop on its scope from July 8 at 10 a.m. until July 23 at 5 p.m.
"The Loop 360 from MoPac to RM 2244 project is a new project that combines improvements for Walsh Tarlton Lane, Westbank Drive and Lost Creek Boulevard," a newsletter from TxDOT states. "Rolling these intersections into a single project will help ensure safe access to businesses and homes along that stretch of the corridor and streamline the environmental process. TxDOT will include feedback from the previous Walsh Tarlton workshop in the new project."
Initial information from TxDOT states stakeholders may visit www.loop360project.com to access all workshop materials, which will include a prerecorded presentation explaining proposed improvements, display boards, exhibits and fact sheets.
