Austin’s Congress Avenue Set for $130 Million Transformative Overhaul to Prioritize Pedestrians and Cyclists

Austin on the Brink of a Bold Transformation for Congress Avenue!

In an exciting turn of events, the vibrant city of Austin is stepping up to reimagine one of its most iconic thoroughfares, Congress Avenue. The Urban Transportation Commission has given the green light to a visionary proposal that aims to transform a big chunk of this downtown corridor into a pedestrian and multimodal-friendly space, leaving almost no room for vehicular traffic. Sounds intriguing, right?

What’s Cooking for Congress Avenue?

The ambitious plan, dubbed the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI), seeks to create a more inviting atmosphere on Congress Avenue from Cesar Chavez Street all the way to 11th Street. Picture this: a public plaza nestled between Seventh and 11th streets, enhanced bike lanes, widened sidewalks, and pleasing public spaces south of Seventh Street. The commission’s recent recommendation to the City Council has got many locals buzzing with excitement!

Breaking Down the Numbers

If the City Council approves this massive $130 million project, it will unfold in phases, kicking off with improvements on two blocks between Seventh and 11th streets. Thanks to $22 million from the 2020 mobility bond, this first phase is set for lift-off and aims to fully reconstruct the 900 and 1000 blocks, while sprucing up the 700 and 800 blocks with tactical enhancements.

“We want to ensure a smooth process,” said Laura Dierenfield, the manager of active transportation and street design. The plan is to tackle this project bit by bit to limit disruptions, which is music to the ears of local businesses. But that’s not all—only roughly 94 parking spaces are set to disappear, accounting for just 0.27 percent of the total parking supply downtown. Dierenfield assured that accessible parking would be relocated to cross street intersections to meet federal standards. Phew!

A Timeline That Sparks Hope

The first phase of construction is expected to kick off between mid to late 2025, with broader improvements, including the exciting plaza elements and pedestrian enhancements, possibly stretching into 2026 and beyond. This methodical approach will ensure that the job gets done in a timely manner without leaving the community in havoc.

Let’s Talk Events!

Now, you might be wondering, “What about all the delightful events we enjoy downtown?” Commissioner Spencer Schumacher pointed out that daily traffic on Congress Avenue has dipped by a staggering 57 percent since 2015, leading to around 12,000 daily pedestrian trips. With the streets so much quieter, he’s ready to tackle the moratorium on new downtown events that’s been in place since 2014. “Now is our chance to start inviting people back to host their events downtown!” he exclaimed.

Funding the Vision

As exciting as it sounds, how will the city fund this monumental makeover? Dierenfield pointed to several potential funding sources like bond funding, grants, and even philanthropy. Chair Susan Somers believes there’s a wealth of untapped philanthropic potential waiting to be explored. “Philanthropy has been lesser here than in other cities. We should go out there and talk to our wealthy donors!” she enthused.

Looking Ahead

As this tale unfolds, Austin is set to embrace a reimagined Congress Avenue—a place that prioritizes people over cars, urging residents to come together and enjoy everything the city offers. With community input and the right funding, the future looks bright for this beloved street. People are excited, and it shows!

So, buckle up, Austin! Congress Avenue is on the verge of an incredible transformation, making it a hotspot for pedestrians, cyclists, and all the fabulous events that will follow!