Kelly Buethe, a senior public information specialist for Austin’s Corridor Program Office, said in an email that crews will work to install traffic signal and pedestrian improvements along North Lamar Boulevard at its intersections with Cooper Drive, Grady Drive, Fairfield Drive and West Powell Lane, beginning sometime in April. The work is being funded through the city's 2016 Mobility Bond.
The city will install a pedestrian crossing signal at Cooper, where a flashing light tells motorists to stop for crossing pedestrians.
New smart traffic signals will be installed at the Grady, Fairfield and West Powell intersections, according to the city.
“Smart traffic signals will have the latest technology to reliably detect traffic and sync with other traffic signals along the corridor, helping to facilitate the efficient and safe flow of traffic,” Buethe said in an email.
All of the intersection and pedestrian improvements will include high-visibility pedestrian crosswalks and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks. Work at these intersections are expected to continue through fall 2020, city documents show.
The West Powell intersection improvements will also include median adjustments to increase safety for crossing pedestrians, according to the city.
Motorists and nearby residents may also see lane closures along North Lamar between US 183 and Rundberg Lane in North Austin as city crews survey underground utilities, such as water lines and telecommunication lines, the city’s April 3 newsletter states.
Buethe in an email said the city “cannot pinpoint the exact locations on a daily basis” due to the nature of the work being done by crews.
The work hours available for construction crews throughout the day could be extended to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. as fewer motorists are on the road as a result of the city’s stay-at-home order.
