The Texas Department of Transportation has been presenting its plan of up to $1.9 billion worth of projects designed to improve mobility on I-35 in Travis County.

The agency completed the implementation plan for the Mobility 35 project in August and made presentations to various transportation groups, including to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, on Oct. 30. TxDOT is prioritizing the section of I-35 from SH 45 N to SH 45 SE but is also looking at how to improve the highway from SH 130 north of Georgetown through San Marcos.

"This has kind of been a pipe dream for a lot of people for a long time, so we're excited to have the opportunity to invest these resources," said Terry McCoy, Austin district engineer for TxDOT.

According to TxDOT, the section of I-35 from US 183 to Hwy. 71 is the most congested roadway in the state. For many years, that segment was ranked the fourth-most congested, McCoy said.

The implementation plan outlines individual projects that may be completed within the existing right of way. About $11 million in funding to develop the implementation program came from Rider 42, which is funding designated for the state's most congested roads.

Plans include improvements near the intersections of I-35 and Wells Branch Parkway, Parmer Lane, Braker Lane, 51st Street, Airport Boulevard, Riverside Drive, Oltorf Street, Stassney Lane, William Cannon Drive and Slaughter Lane.

"I believe in the community there is a sense of urgency," he said. "There are need to make some improvements in relatively short time frame."

The total estimated cost for all projects in 2013 dollars is between $1.3 billion and $1.9 billion. The higher dollar amount includes options to depress and/or cap a portion of I-35 as it runs through the core of downtown Austin.

"We're not finished, and we don't think we have all the answers, but we have invested some substantial resources," he said.

For more information on the Mobility 35 project and to download the complete implementation plan, visit the website.