Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.
Austin pushes back on proposed Parmer Lane highway conversion
Austin City Council approved a resolution directing city staff to work with regional transportation agencies to prioritize safety, walking, biking and transit in proposed Parmer Lane improvements amid concerns that a plan to convert the corridor into a multilane highway could increase traffic, noise and pollution.
At a Sept. 14 Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation policy meeting, one proposal revealed from the corridor study was converting Parmer Lane, between RM 1431 and MoPac, into a four-lane highway with four frontage road lanes north of SH 45, and two highway lanes plus six frontage road lanes south of SH 45.
The recommendation prompted backlash from transportation advocacy groups and nearby neighbors and business owners, who argued that converting the road into a highway would make it more dangerous, increase noise and pollution and make it more difficult to walk, bike and use public transit.
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Construction begins on $9.6M drainage project in New Braunfels
A $9.6 million drainage project aimed at upgrading aging utilities and enhancing pedestrian access along Coll Street has begun.
Construction on New Braunfels' Coll Street Drainage Project began Oct. 19. Coll Street, from the Comal River to Castell Avenue, will be completely closed for the first portion of the project, which involves the installation of box culverts along the street, according to a news release.
The project is part of the first phase of the overall South Castell Avenue Visioning Plan, which aims to improve walkability, accessibility and infrastructure in downtown, according to the city's website.
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Kyle reevaluates 6 priority intersections marked for roundabouts
On Aug. 18, Kyle City Council approved an almost $500,000 reevaluation of 12 intersections where roundabouts were recommended, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The results of intersection analyses at six priority locations were presented on Oct. 20.
The six priority intersections included:
Center Street at Old Stagecoach Road
Kohlers Crossing at Sanders
Kohlers Crossing at Benner
Windy Hill Road at Cherrywood
Lehman Road at Bunton Creek Road
Goforth Road at Bunton Creek Road
Of the six intersections reevaluated, four were recommended for road remedies other than roundabouts and two were recommended to continue pursuing roundabouts.
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Pflugerville's FM 685 median removal to bring overnight lane closures Oct. 26-30
Demolition of the island median at the intersection of FM 685 and Main Street in Pflugerville, near H-E-B, will take place Oct. 26-30, according to city information.
As part of the city’s Downtown East project, a new traffic light is being installed at the intersection, and Main Street is being extended from its current terminus at North Railroad Avenue.
The light will be set to flash mode in late October, city officials said.
The median currently at the intersection will be demolished Oct. 26-30. One northbound and one southbound lane from Pecan Street to Applewood Drive will be closed from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. The outside lanes will remain open.
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SH 71 update: Where 3 Bastrop County projects stand
Three major SH 71 projects in Bastrop County are moving forward, with one nearing the bidding stage, another in final design and a third under construction.
Pope Bend Road improvements
Project: Texas Department of Transportation crews will construct an overpass at Pope Bend Road, one-way frontage roads and expanded bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Update: TxDOT’s Austin District officials updated project designs for contractor review Aug. 19. As of Oct. 21, TxDOT listed the project as having completed pre-bidding requirements, with bids scheduled to open in January 2027.
FM 1209 upgrades
Project: TxDOT will construct an overpass at FM 1209, along with new frontage roads and expanded bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Update: Updated preliminary construction plans were submitted for contractor review Sept. 30. The project is in final design, right-of-way acquisition and utility adjustment.
Tucker Hill enhancements
Project: TxDOT is constructing an overpass at Tucker Hill Lane, along with one-way frontage roads and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Update: Crews began installing bridge beams July 21 on westbound SH 71 at Dry Creek, constructing culverts at the SH 71 and Tucker Hill Lane intersection and working on the westbound frontage road.
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Wyoming Springs Drive extension in Round Rock opens to the public
Round Rock-area drivers have a new north-south alternative to I-35 on the west side, with the opening of the Wyoming Springs Drive Extension Oct. 22.
The extension connects the roadway from its previous terminus at Creek Bend Boulevard to East Old Settlers Boulevard, with a bridge over Hairy Man Road.
The project extended the four-lane Wyoming Springs Drive by just over half a mile, bringing Brushy Creek Regional Trail connections, a shared-use path and sidewalks along both sides of the street.
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