Austin: TxDOT Unveils New I-35 Design Changes at Airport Boulevard

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) introduced this week new design modifications to the I-35 Capital Express Central project, prompted by concerns raised by local residents. The revised plan replaces the previously proposed single-point urban interchange (SPUI) with a traditional intersection layout at the I-35 and Airport Boulevard junction.

Switching to a Traditional Intersection Design

TxDOT officials presented the updated layout at a community meeting held on Wednesday. They explained that the traditional intersection would enhance pedestrian accessibility and establish a direct link between the highway and Airport Boulevard. It would also maintain the planned 35 miles-per-hour speed limit on the southbound I-35 frontage road.

“The traditional design will slow vehicles down as well, which will also benefit bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela, expressing his satisfaction with TxDOT’s shift to a conventional intersection design.

Potential Highway Cap from Airport Boulevard to 38th Street

Vela noted that the layout change could potentially provide room for a highway cap extending from Airport Boulevard to 38th Street. A cap would not only help reduce the impact of highway noise and light pollution but also may be utilized for parklands or other community spaces.

Currently, the city is actively receiving public input regarding the possible uses of these future cap sites. Suggestions range from parkland and green spaces to small buildings and community spaces. The design of these spaces is being managed by Our Future 35, a city-led initiative designated to oversee the conceptualization and implementation of these caps.

Maximizing Economic Vitality through Connectivity

Council Member Vela believes that these proposed cap sites would not only enhance connectivity between downtown and the east side, but they would also drive economic vitality in the areas surrounding the improvements. His endorsement draws inspiration from similar successful projects in Dallas, Phoenix, and Boston.

“I would really look to what other cities have successfully done with their highway capping projects and just kind of take best practices,” Vela said.

Tax Increment Financing – A Future Financing Tool?

Looking ahead, Vela anticipates the Austin City Council to consider tax increment financing, a mechanism that redirects real estate tax increments derived from the rise in property values to fund infrastructure improvement projects. This could serve as a “critical component” in sourcing funds for these upgrades, according to Vela.

Public feedback on the cap designs is open until the end of this week. More information on the survey can be found online with the community survey and proposed designs available for review.