TxDOT To Share Design Changes For Loop 360 At Westlake Drive Project

Updates based on input received during first phase of public outreach

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation will host a public workshop to discuss the proposed improvements to Loop 360 at Westlake Drive on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The workshop will be held in the Community Center at Riverbend Church, located at 4214 N. Capital of Texas Highway in Austin. The meeting will be an open house format with no formal presentation, so attendees can come and go at their convenience. 

The purpose of the project is to improve safety and mobility at the intersections of Westlake Drive and Cedar Street. In September 2018, TxDOT presented three options to the community.

After reviewing and incorporating all public feedback, TxDOT is recommending moving forward with the underpass option. Proposed improvements include

• Removing the traffic signals from the Loop 360 mainlanes at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street and adding underpasses (where the mainlanes go under the cross streets) at both intersections
• Adding non-signalized U-turns at Westlake Drive
• Adding a shared-use path and sidewalks within the project limits to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodations

In response to public input, the project team has incorporated several new or modified features into the design, including dedicated turns, U-turns and through lanes at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street.

TxDOT also partnered with the City of Austin, Eanes ISD, and Safe Routes to School to enhance the bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in the area, including adding a shared-use path and extended sidewalk at Cedar Street to provide access to Bridge Point Elementary School, and extending the shared-use path at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp to connect with the existing sidewalk on the Pennybacker Bridge.

Maps, drawings and project information will be on display at the workshop, and project team members will be available to answer questions. Comments from the public are requested.

Those unable to attend the meeting in person can review materials and comment online via our virtual workshop, which will be available from April 23 through May 8, 2019, at www.Loop360Project.com.

Individuals may also email comments to cwotip-c@txdot.gov or mail in their comments to the TxDOT Austin District, Attention: Crystal Wotipka, Loop 360 Program, 7901 N. I-35, Austin, Texas 78753. All comments must be received by Wednesday, May 8, 2019 to be included in the public record.

The Westlake Drive project is part of the Loop 360 program, which will upgrade multiple intersections to improve safety and mobility along the corridor, including Spicewood Springs Road, Lakewood Drive, Courtyard Drive/RM 2222, Walsh Tarlton Lane, Lost Creek Boulevard/Westbank Drive, and RM 2244.