TxDOT Opens Hwy. 71: Your New Toll-Road To ABIA

The 71 toll lanes to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)  will utilize all-electronic, cashless tolling technology….find out just how much it will cost you.

The Texas Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and McCarthy Building Companies, is pleased to announce the opening of the 71 Toll Project near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).

Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III, Mobility Authority Board of Directors Chairman Ray Wilkerson, ABIA Director of Aviation Jim Smith and McCarthy Building Companies Executive Vice President Kurt Knebel made special remarks at the ceremony, which was followed by the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

71 Toll is part of the SH 71 Express Project that broke ground in January 2015. Project improvements include two new toll lanes (one in each direction), the re-aligning of FM 973 at SH 71, pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, the widening of Presidential Boulevard at SH 71, and maintaining and improving the current number of non-tolled general purpose lanes.

These improvements are expected to cut the commute for thousands of drivers on a daily basis, and make accessing ABIA a more seamless process.

“Improving safety and mobility are the most important transportation needs for the region,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Austin said. “With the 71 Toll Project, we are able to accomplish both of these objectives, making it easier for traffic to move through the area and ensuring safety prevails for all users and models of travel.”

As construction has progressed, drivers along the project corridor have been able to use the new east and westbound toll lanes free-of-charge as detour routes.

With the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, the Mobility Authority began tolling operations on Feb. 28. The 71 toll lanes utilize all- electronic, cashless tolling technology.

Drivers will have a choice whether or not to use the tolled lanes. The same number of taxpayer-funded, non-tolled SH 71 travel lanes that were available before construction will remain.

Drivers wishing to use the 71 toll lanes will be able to bypass the FM 973 and SH 130 intersections, making this an ideal route for those traveling to and from Bastrop and other central Texas communities.

Drivers on the non-tolled general purpose lanes will continue through the FM 973 and SH 130 signalized intersections.

“Our partnership with TxDOT protects economic vitality by connecting communities and commerce, and closing the gap between affordable housing and employment centers,” said Mobility Authority Board of Directors Chairman Ray Wilkerson. “The 71 Toll Project is a great example of how we are leveraging existing corridors to affect real change on our Central Texas roadways.”

The Feb. 28 ribbon cutting marked a significant milestone for TxDOT and the Mobility Authority.

While some minor work will continue on the project corridor, drivers will see a vast improvement in travel times in the area. Drivers can continue to stay up-to-date on the project by visiting www.sh71express.com 

How much will it cost you to drive Hwy 71 Toll Road?