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Check out six upcoming or ongoing transportation projects across the Austin metro, including major highway projects, a railroad bridge and a shared-use path.
Upcoming projects
Crystal Falls Parkway rail bridge
Project: Leander city officials are considering building a railroad bridge over Crystal Falls Parkway at US 183, removing the current ground-level rail crossing and allowing traffic to flow uninterrupted by passing trains.
Update: The city is actively seeking a $40 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as additional funding opportunities. The design phase is expected to take around two and a half years, followed by roughly three years of construction.
Lakeline Boulevard shared-use path
Project: The project will add a 10-foot paved path connecting New Hope Drive and Little Elm Trail.
Update: According to city of Cedar Park officials, the project’s design is 90% complete.
Project: The project will expand Hwy. 21 approximately 7 miles from County Road to Old Highway 20 in Bastrop County. Preliminary plans include creating a four-lane divided highway with a grassy median.
Update: According to TxDOT, the schematic design and environmental study for the project is underway.
Ongoing projects
I-35 Capital Express Central project
Project: The Texas Department of Transportation’s multibillion I-35 overhaul, which broke ground last October, will add two nontolled high-occupancy vehicle lanes along the roughly 8-mile stretch from Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 71. The project also includes removing upper decks, sinking sections of the roadway about 25 feet, and widening the corridor to 17-22 lanes.
Update: According to TxDOT, the northbound I-35 Riverside Drive exit 233 and Holly Street entrance ramp exit 234A will be permanently closed as crews prepare for the reconstruction of Lady Bird Lake bridge. Site work also began Feb. 2 at the Edgewood drop shaft, which TxDOT officials say marks another milestone as all nine drop shafts will be under construction for the drainage tunnel and pump station segment of the project.
Project: As part of the larger Loop 360 Program, the project will remove traffic signals from main lanes, create an underpass beneath both cross streets, and add shared-use paths and sidewalks.
Update: According to TxDOT, both bridges are now open, and work on excavating the main lanes continues. Crews moved signals to permanent structures at Westlake Drive on Jan. 23.
Loop 360’s Courtyard Drive/RM 2222
Project: The project will remove traffic signals from main lanes, construct an underpass at Courtyard Drive, reconfigure RM 2222 to include a diverging diamond interchange, and add shared-use paths and sidewalks.
Update: TxDOT officials said excavation is ongoing for the west cliffs by the southbound lanes.