The ongoing Loop 360 project led by the Texas Department of Transportation that will upgrade multiple intersections throughout the thoroughfare over the coming months and years in order to improve mobility and safety is still proceeding.•Recent updates from TxDOT show the section focused on Westlake Drive and Cedar Street, which proposes several upgrades to both intersections on Loop 360, 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,” documents from TxDOT state. Information from TxDOT states construction of the project is now anticipated to begin in early 2022.
Work within this project’s scope includes removal of the traffic signals from the Loop 360 main lanes at Westlake and Cedar, according to TxDOT. 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 Westlake 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.
“The Loop 360 from MoPac [South] to RM 2244 project is a new project that combines improvements for Walsh Tarlton Lane, Westbank Drive and Lost Creek Boulevard,” TxDOT documents state.
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Work on pedestrian crossings, stoplights along Anderson Mill to begin this summer
The city of Austin Transportation Department in a July 7 newsletter stated city construction crews are placing equipment throughout July to begin construction on Anderson Mill Road.
This project, which stretches from Spicewood Parkway to US 183, will add several mobility improvements, from pedestrian walkways to new signals, to increase vehicular and pedestrian safety, according to city staff.
Construction on the $8 million project—funded by the 2016 voter-approved mobility bond—is expected to last up to 18 months, weather permitting.
The first phase of this project is scheduled to begin before the end of July, according to city documents. Construction will begin near Spicewood Parkway and move east.
Throughout the length of the project, city officials said lane closures may be necessary.
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ONGOING PROJECTS
I-35 flyover construction
TxDOT crews began work in June to install utility lines along the southbound I-35 frontage road at St. Johns Avenue as well as reconstruct some intersections.
Timeline: January 2018-mid-2021
North Lamar Boulevard improvements
City crews will continue work at the North Lamar Boulevard intersections at West Powell Lane and Fairfield Drive. Lane closures may occur as work continues.
Timeline: spring 2020-fall 2020
