I-35 Capital Express Central designs feature caps for green space over lanes

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) presented three design alternatives for the estimated $4.9 billion Interstate 35 Capital Express Central project that could allow for caps funded by other organizations.

At an Austin mobility committee meeting on March 11, TxDOT representatives detailed the build alternatives that would lower the mainlanes and lower or tunnel the managed lanes for portions of the 8-mile I-35 Capital Express Central project from US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. Two non-tolled managed lanes are proposed for each direction along I-35.

Caps are being considered between First and Fourth streets, Eighth and Ninth streets, and 11th and 12th streets that would provide space for Austin to build parkland above the lowered mainlanes and feature recreational amenities such as lawns, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

TxDOT is accepting input during a virtual public scoping meeting through April 9. The department expects to choose a selected alternative in summer 2023 and complete a finalized schematic and environmental study in late 2023.

Final design and contractor selection are scheduled for late 2024, and construction could begin in 2025.

This story was originally published by Strategic Partnerships.