Proposed enhancements to downtown Austin's transportation infrastructure.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThe Urban Transportation Commission of Austin has unanimously recommended the approval of the Austin Core Transportation plan (ACT) to modernize the city’s transportation strategy. This plan will enhance walkability, bike-friendliness, and safety in downtown Austin, addressing the needs of its growing population. With significant changes planned for key corridors, the ACT aims to shift commuting habits towards sustainable transportation methods. The city council is expected to vote on the ACT this spring, marking a pivotal step in improving urban transport infrastructure.
The Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) of Austin has voted unanimously to recommend that the city council approve a new strategic plan known as the Austin Core Transportation plan (ACT). This decision, made during a meeting on March 4, is a pivotal step towards modernizing the city’s transportation strategy in response to its recent growth and changing needs.
The ACT aims to replace an outdated transportation plan from the year 2000, addressing the significant changes in the city over the past two decades. Since 2000, Austin’s population has grown by approximately 300,000 residents, necessitating a reassessment of the city’s transportation needs and infrastructure. The new plan is designed to work in conjunction with the existing Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP).
The ACT focuses on enhancing walkability, bike-friendliness, equity, green infrastructure, and safety in downtown Austin. It seeks to recalibrate various roadways, prioritizing specific streets and projects that align with these criteria. Key downtown corridors under examination include Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Streets, with plans also extending to Ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th, Brazos, and Red River Streets for further improvements.
This new plan will affect all residents and pedestrians in downtown Austin, with a particular focus on improving the experience for those who walk, cycle, or use public transportation. With current statistics indicating that 60% of downtown commuters drive solo, the ACT aims to encourage more individuals to shift towards sustainable forms of transportation, such as public transit and cycling. Enhanced pedestrian safety and accessibility through updates to one-way streets are also key considerations that will benefit many residents.
Commissioner David Kavelman, who played a pivotal role in drafting the recommendations within the commission’s motion, urged the Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) to explore low-cost quick-build improvements as interim solutions until complete street rebuilds can be accomplished. Concerns were voiced by other commissioners, including issues regarding curbside access for vehicles, particularly with the planned bidirectional protected bike lanes on Red River Street. TPW has indicated that Red River Street is a lower-priority target, suggesting that any proposed changes will consider existing plans for bike access.
The projected changes outlined in the ACT are seen as necessary improvements due to the 254% population growth observed in downtown Austin from 2000 to 2020. This plan is also closely aligned with the ambitions of the ASMP, aiming to facilitate a transition from single-occupancy vehicle use towards more sustainable transportation methods. Additionally, amid discussions, there is an emphasis on developing a comprehensive parking management plan that limits new parking construction, thereby managing urban space more effectively.
The Austin City Council is expected to vote on the ACT in the spring. Preliminary presentations and discussions are underway across various city boards and commissions regarding this recommendation. The plan will allow the city to align upcoming projects, such as the Interstate 35 cap-and-stitch project and Austin light-rail projects, with the ongoing development of the ACT, thereby ensuring a cohesive and forward-thinking transportation strategy for the growing community.
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