The big picture
The bill prohibits road reduction and closures surrounding the Capitol without first obtaining approval by the State Preservation Board, explicitly outlining the area bounded on the north by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, bounded on the east by I-35, bounded on the south by Lady Bird Lake, and bounded on the west by Lamar Boulevard.
The bill states the city does not have authority to:
- Reduce the number of lanes of traffic
- Close any lanes of traffic for more than seven consecutive days
- Changes the traffic flow on the lanes of traffic
A House committee report stated the use of public roads adjacent to the state Capitol is a matter of Capitol Complex safety.
“Changes in configurations and alterations of traffic flows on public roads adjacent to the Capitol by local governments will likely impact, at a minimum, the ability of the Department of Public Safety to respond to emergencies and security incidents,” the report states.
The bill must next receive approval from the Texas Senate to become law.
Some context
With planning efforts dating back to 2017, the entire CAUDI—which extends from 11th Street down over the Congress Avenue Bridge to Riverside Drive—is intended to revitalize the “historic street” and enhance Congress Avenue’s role as the city’s “Main Street,” according to city documents.
The project draws inspiration from the transformation of the Texas Capitol Mall, according to an Oct. 9 news release from the city’s Transportation and Public Works Department, or TPW.
However, since its initial announcement, the city has developed alternate design concepts for the blocks north of Seventh that provides for the opportunity to program the space for specific, special events but otherwise maintains motor vehicle access to 11th Street.
The city currently has funding for the Phase 1 of the project, which totals $23 million and will come primarily from the 2020 Austin Mobility Bond.
The full build of CAUDI between Riverside Drive and 11th Street is estimated at $130 million.
Preliminary engineering is now complete, and design development is currently underway, with construction on-track to begin late this year, according to TPW. A total of $4.3 million has been invested to date.
The updated design and feedback report is anticipated later this summer reflecting feedback from the community gathered in late 2024. Additionally, the city will comply with any legislation that calls for additional oversight or review of the Congress Avenue project.
"The city is aware of this bill passing the House, will track its progress through the Senate and will comply with whatever is passed,” Erik Johnson, a spokesperson for the city, said in a statement.
