1. MoPac Intersections project
The project is currently in the final design phase. An environmental study was completed Dec. 22 for improvements on Loop 1 at the intersections of Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue to alleviate traffic congestion and increase safety. A diverging diamond intersection will be added at Slaughter, and a traditional diamond intersection will be added at La Crosse. An underpass will be constructed in which Loop 1 will go under Slaughter and La Crosse. Construction may begin in the spring and last two to three years.Timeline: May 2013-spring 2018 or 2019, subject to change Cost: about $45 million for construction Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation
MoPac Intersections project[/caption]2. Bicycle/pedestrian bridge on Loop 1 over Barton Creek Greenbelt
Construction is in progress on a bicycle and pedestrian bridge. Partnering with the city of Austin, TxDOT is constructing the bridge, which has a shared-use path along northbound Loop 1 lanes over the Barton Creek Greenbelt from one frontage road turnaround to the other near Loop 1’s intersections with Southwest Parkway and Loop 360. The northbound bike bridge project is on schedule for a March completion. Remaining work includes bridge abutment work, performing railing and lighting work for the bridge, and completing the sidewalk tie-ins on either side of the project.
Timeline: February 2014-summer 2016 Cost: $7.7 million Funding sources: TxDOT, city of Austin
3. SH 45 SW design phase
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has identified opportunities to enhance the design environmentally cleared by TxDOT earlier in 2015 for SH 45 SW, a proposed limited-access, four-lane, 3.6-mile toll road connecting MoPac to FM 1626 in Hays County. Preliminary approval of funding was received at the December Texas Transportation Commission board meeting, and final approval is pending. The Mobility Authority is finalizing its design and coordinating reviews with key stakeholders and expects to request construction bids this year.
Timeline: spring 2016-spring 2018 Cost: $100 million (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization estimate) Funding sources: Travis and Hays counties, Mobility Authority, TxDOT Toll Equity grant, TxDOT Toll Equity Loan
4. South Congress Avenue lanes
TxDOT is making Congress Avenue upgrades from Foremost Drive to Eberhart Lane. The revamped road will include five lanes, upgraded drainage facilities, bike lanes and new sidewalks along the west side of Congress and in a few places where there are gaps in sidewalks on the east side of the road. TxDOT expects to move traffic onto the new pavement in early March while drainage upgrade work on the west side of the roadway continues. Utility conflicts in the project area have been resolved.
Timeline: October 2014-spring 2016 Cost: $6.3 million Funding sources: TxDOT
5. Oak Hill Parkway environmental study
TxDOT and the Mobility Authority plan to hold stakeholder meetings for the ongoing environmental study throughout 2016-17. Dates for upcoming meetings have not yet been finalized. A project team is refining two build alternatives as part of the study, which aims to identify and research potential solutions to bring long-term traffic relief to the intersection of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 290. A no-build alternative is also under consideration.
Timeline: environmental study expected to be complete in 2017 Cost: about $650 million Funding sources: TBD
Manchaca Road and Slaughter Lane updates[/caption]6. Manchaca Road and Slaughter Lane updates
At the intersection of Slaughter Lane and Manchaca Road, the city of Austin Transportation Department plans to add raised medians, turn lanes and other safety improvements. Staff is working on design.
Timeline: October 2015-spring/summer (design), TBD (construction) Cost: $1.5 million Funding sources: city of Austin