Austin Begins Construction on Major I-35 Capital Express Central Project Amid Controversy

Austin Breaks Ground on I-35 Capital Express Central Project

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has officially begun construction on the long-awaited I-35 Capital Express Central project. This major undertaking, part of the $4.5 billion Texas Clear Lanes initiative, aims to improve traffic flow and promote better safety measures along one of the busiest highways in the state.

Details of the Project

The project will create two non-tolled high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction along I-35, spanning from US 290 East to SH 71 or Ben White Boulevard. In addition to adding these new travel lanes, the plan also includes enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian paths, aiming to make the area more accessible for all types of commuters.

Tucker Ferguson, the TxDOT Austin District Engineer, remarked on the extensive planning that has gone into this project. “I have learned that this project has been in the works for many decades, even going back to the 1980s, looking at more ways to make travel more efficient through downtown Austin,” he stated.

Project Features

The I-35 Capital Express Central project is set to bring several significant changes to the freeway. Among these changes, the main lanes will be lowered from Airport Boulevard to Lady Bird Lake, with the aim of removing the current upper decks. This change is expected to improve transit connections and make it easier for vehicles to navigate through downtown.

Moreover, TxDOT plans to add boulevard-style segments throughout downtown Austin, enhance pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and collaborate with the city and the University of Texas at Austin to develop deck caps on almost 40 acres of space. These caps will help connect East and West Austin and aim to improve overall transportation in the city.

Community Response and Protests

Rethink35 argues that expanding I-35 will not alleviate traffic woes but instead worsen them. Schoenfield added, “Paving all over our cities to build more space for cars just doesn’t work. That is an outdated way of thinking about transportation.” They claim that 81% of local residents oppose the expansion due to concerns over environmental impact, potential damage to homes and parks, and increased congestion.

Legal Challenges

Rethink35 has also initiated two legal actions against the Texas Department of Transportation regarding the I-35 Capital Express Central Project. These include a civil rights complaint filed with the US Department of Transportation, currently under review, and a lawsuit based on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates thorough environmental assessments for large projects.

Looking Ahead

The construction phase is expected to affect drivers across north, downtown, and south Austin until approximately 2028. The initial phase involves demolishing the MLK bridge, which is a crucial step in preparing the area for further development. TxDOT aims to complete the entire project by 2032, significantly altering the landscape of I-35 and its surrounding areas.

As this ambitious plan unfolds, many will be watching to see how it shapes commuting in Austin and whether it delivers on its promises of improved safety and traffic efficiency.