Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation hosted an open house Jan. 15 in Round Rock to discuss improvements to the city's I-35 corridor.
The proposed improvements spanned sections of the interstate between FM 1431 and SH 45 N. The state is looking to continue its I-35 Capitol Area Improvement Program with new projects in Williamson and Hays counties.
Proposed roadway improvements include the construction of new shoulders and auxiliary lanes designed to reduce traffic conflicts when motorists exit onto and off of the highway. Additional projects include replacing the overpass bridge at Old Settlers Boulevard as well as adding U-turn bridges; reconstructing the Round Rock Avenue bridge; and reconfiguring entrance and exit ramps to help alleviate backups and allow more access to businesses on the frontage roads.
The state is also looking at improving the I-35 frontage roads by widening the lanes to allow shared use with bicycles, building sidewalks and improving the stormwater systems.
None of the proposed projects are expected to require the purchase of additional right of way.
"The whole project is about trying to maximize what we've got," TxDOT I-35 Program Manager Stacey Benningfield said.
Benningfield said the state hopes to complete environmental reviews before the end of 2014 and could then begin the process of engineering the projects. Actual construction of any of the projects, therefore, could be years away.
The Jan. 15 meeting was offered to the public as an opportunity for residents to become educated on the proposals and provide feedback to the state.
"We want to hear from people. We want them to tell us if there is something they do like, or they don't like, or if they have any ideas on how we could do something better," said Chris Bishop, TxDOT assistant public information officer for the Austin District. "This is by no means a done deal. It is an idea we have for improving mobility on I-35."
To view information and maps about the project, visit www.mobility35openhouse.com/rm1431tosh45n
