Austin city officials held a groundbreaking Jan. 30 to commemorate the start of the first phase of construction on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, which officials say will transform one of Austin's most iconic corridors.
Some background
The initiative includes a redesign of Congress Avenue to create a more pedestrian-friendly, multimodal configuration. Phase 1 of the project will include expanding sidewalks, adding pedestrian amenity zones, planting trees, upgrading bikeway barriers and adding turn lanes for vehicle traffic between Cesar Chavez and Seventh streets.
The $29 million initiative, funded by the 2020 mobility bond, is expected to last through 2030.
According to officials, Phase 1 will cost $13 million and is expected to be substantially completed by summer 2027. Construction along each block is expected to take approximately three months to complete. Short-term lane closures and detours will be in place throughout construction, but pedestrian and business building access will remain open.
Downtown Austin Alliance President Davon Barbour said city officials are also working with businesses throughout the construction process to ensure they "weather this process."
"Curb appeal absolutely matters in terms of creating and attracting businesses," Barbour said. "You want Congress Avenue to reinforce the stature as a premier business destination, as a viable destination for restaurants and dining and retail. As [Mayor Kirk Watson] stated, this is our living room. This is a place where people gather, and so this project will really reinforce that."
What else?
One feature of the project is "programmable storefront activation zones," Director of Transportation and Public Works Richard Mendoza said.
"That's a fancy way of saying that we will create permanent infrastructure that will allow businesses to use the areas in front of their stores while still having ample room for pedestrians," Mendoza said. "They can do things like sidewalk cafes and put out display racks—uses that enhance their businesses and increase interaction with people just on the street. But that's what the project is really about, creating spaces for people to enjoy and interact as a community."
Looking ahead
Mendoza said officials are still going through final designs and working with stakeholders for Phase 2 of the project, which will span from Seventh to 11th streets.
Earlier discussions with Austin City Council have considered reconstructing the four blocks into public plaza space, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
