Mobility35 Program Moves Forward

Express lane studies launched, construction underway on corridor improvement projects

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation is making progress on its plans to improve I-35 in the Austin area as part of the Mobility35 Program. The program was launched in 2011 by TxDOT, in partnership with the city of Austin, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and a wide and diverse group of community leaders and agencies.

The $4.3 to $4.6 billion program is transforming I-35 into a smart and efficient highway. This program includes multiple individual improvement projects along I-35 in Williamson, Travis and Hays counties and will improve mobility and connectivity along and across I-35 for all modes of transportation including cars, trucks, transit, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, as funding is identified.

In total, the Mobility35 Program would improve safety and mobility on six of the Top 100 Most Congested Roadway segments in Texas, including the segment between US 290E and SH 71, which ranked #1 in 2015.

“The Mobility35 Program is a smart approach to transforming this outdated road into an efficient highway system, while incorporating what our community values – innovation, technology and multi-modal options,” said State Senator Kirk Watson. “I’m especially encouraged by the substantial benefits that express lanes would provide to transit users. A toll-free, reliable trip makes transit an attractive option that will get people out of their cars and onto a bus.”

TxDOT is also gearing up to host the first public meetings for the environmental studies for three projects in Travis County, the North16, Central7, and South10 projects, this summer. These projects include studying adding an express lane in each direction, as well as additional operational improvements, from RM 1431 to SH 45 southeast. This includes work on the most congested highway segment in Texas— I-35 between US 290E and SH 71. Today, this area is congested for six hours a day. If nothing is done, by 2040, it will be congested for nine hours a day.

“I-35 through Williamson, Travis and Hays counties was originally built more than 50 years ago,” said TxDOT Austin District Engineer Terry McCoy. “Improvements have not kept pace with population and economic growth, and traffic congestion is hurting our quality of life. Addressing congestion on this vital north/south corridor is a priority for our community, our leaders, and our agency.”

Another way TxDOT is transforming I-35 into a smart and efficient highway system is by upgrading the area’s Traffic Management System, which includes the system’s network and infrastructure, traffic cameras, and dynamic message signs. These systems will incorporate the latest technologies to provide motorists with information to make smart travel decisions and stay safe on the road.

Current projects are being funded by $110.7 million of voter-approved Proposition 1 funds, $158.6 million in Congestion Relief Initiative funds, as well as state gas tax funds, and local investments. Various other financing options are being explored to cover the remaining cost of the program.