TxDot To Host Meeting For I-35 Improvements In Travis County

AUSTIN – Traffic congestion on I-35 through downtown Austin is a serious problem that negatively impacts mobility, safety, and our quality of life. Proposed mobility improvements to seven miles of I-35 between US 183 and Riverside Drive will be the highlight of an open house hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 6100 Berkman Drive in Austin.

TxDOT is working with the community to transform I-35 into a smart and efficient highway system. The purpose of the Central 7-mile Comprehensive Project is to improve safety and mobility for all users of I-35 while minimizing right-of-way, community and environmental impacts, and to provide a reliable travel time for cars and bus transit using the express lanes.

The approximate $550–$850 million Central7 project would add an express lane in each direction and address all remaining safety and mobility improvements proposed under the Mobility35 Program that are not included in a series of stand-alone projects between US 183 and Riverside Drive.

Two alternatives are being considered, one express lane build alternative and a no-build, or do nothing, alternative. The build alternative includes direct transit access to the express lanes with two design options in downtown Austin.

Open house participants will be able to review project materials, ask questions, and submit comments. Attendees are invited to come-and-go at their convenience.

Those unable to attend the meeting in-person can offer input online at a virtual open house that will be available September 20 – October 4 at www.mobility35openhouse.com.