Recent updates[/caption]1. SH 71 toll lanes open
On Feb. 28, the 3.9-mile SH 71 toll project opened to improve access to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from SH 130 as well as offer a safer commute for residents who rely on the roadway to access Austin, Del Valle and Bastrop. The toll lanes are managed by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and the cost is 87 cents.
Timeline: January 2015-February 2017
Cost: $149 million
Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation
2. MoPac toll lanes
Work continues on the MoPac express toll lanes between Parmer Lane and Cesar Chavez Street. In March southbound traffic will shift to its final alignment between US 183 and RM 2222. In April the northbound auxiliary, or merge, lane between 35th and 45th streets will reopen, and work on the downtown underpasses will wrap up. The contractor informed the Mobility Authority board it is still targeting a June completion.
Timeline: fall 2013-June 2017
Cost: $204 million
Funding sources: state and federal funds
3. Spicewood Springs Pump Station improvements
The city of Austin is making improvements to the Spicewood Springs Pump Station on Mesa Drive. Work began in June to install a new water line near the pump station and on Mesa and Spicewood Lane. Traffic controls set up on Mesa between Spicewood Springs Road and Steck Avenue in June were removed in early February. Work on the pump station is set for completion this summer.
Timeline: late spring-summer 2017
Cost: $3.7 million
Funding sources: Austin Water
Approved Feb. 27, Capital Metro’s service plan aims to bring more residents within walking distance of frequent bus service but also raises the issue of accessibility. The transit agency will now coordinate a more comprehensive public outreach process as well as a second vote to approve any late changes to routes.[/caption]4. Route 820
The new route stretches from Southeast Austin at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport through downtown Austin toward The University of Texas campus. The northeastern portion of the route goes along Manor Road through the Mueller and Windsor Park neighborhoods toward US 183. It would run every 10 minutes during peak and midday hours on weekdays as well as every 15 minutes during the evening. On weekends, frequency is proposed to be every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the evening.
Service type: MetroRapid
Weekday and weekend service: 24 hours
5. Route 804
The new proposed route runs along Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets from east of Springdale Road in the Govalle area through downtown to the Clarksville neighborhood. The recommendation assumes Seventh will become bidirectional. Proposed bus frequency is 10 minutes during peak and midday hours on weekdays and every 15 minutes in the evening. On the weekends, it is proposed to run every 10-15 minutes during the day and 30 minutes during the evening.
Service type: MetroRapid
Weekday and weekend service: 24 hours
6. Route 22
The proposed revised alignment would provide north-south service along Chicon Street in East Austin. The southern edge of the route is along Lady Bird Lake, and the northernmost point of the route is at the Hancock Center on East 41st Street. The local bus would run every 30 minutes if approved.
Service type: local
Weekday service: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. (proposed), 5:26 a.m.-10:48 p.m. (existing)
Weekend service: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. (proposed Saturday), 5:40 a.m.-9:55 p.m. (existing Saturday), 6 a.m.-11 p.m. (proposed Sunday), 7:24 a.m.-9:38 p.m. (existing Sunday)
