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I-35 Capital Express Project set to transform Austin’s traffic and infrastructure

Austin, Texas – In a significant move to transform transportation in Austin, Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), along with Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., Commissioner Robert Vaughn, and Senator Judith Zaffirini, officially began construction on the I-35 Capital Express Central project. This ambitious initiative marks a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure.

Expanding Texas Infrastructure

Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., highlighted the scale of Texas’ ongoing transportation projects, stating, “Currently, TxDOT has over $53 billion under contract across Texas.” He noted the recent commencement of the $13 billion North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) in Houston and the start of the $5.6 billion Capital Express Central project in Austin, bringing the total to a staggering $71.6 billion in construction and planned projects statewide.

Enhancing I-35 Corridor

The Capital Express Central project, a part of the I-35 Texas Clear Lanes initiative, aims to significantly improve traffic flow and safety through downtown Austin. It involves adding two non-tolled high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction, stretching from US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. One of the key features of the project is the lowering of the main lanes from Airport Boulevard to Lady Bird Lake, which includes the removal of the upper decks and the creation of new deck plazas.

Local and National Impact

Senator Judith Zaffirini emphasized the project’s broad impact, saying, “I-35, and this particular project is of such significance and such importance. The impact will be statewide, nationwide, and international. But it will also be local, and we who travel this route every day are most relieved. We welcome it because it will relieve congestion, improve safety and drainage, and help in so many ways.”

Focusing on Multi-Modal Transport

Commissioner Vaughn discussed the project’s inclusive approach to transportation, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle paths. “In addition to mobility improvements, we’re also improving bicycle and pedestrian paths helping to accommodate all modes of transportation,” he said. The project promises over 19 miles of new shared-use paths, enhanced east-west crossings, and new bicycle-pedestrian crossings at 3rd Street, 15th Street, and 41st Street.

Project Timeline and Future Steps

Construction commenced with the reconstruction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Bridge in October 2024, handled by Harper Brothers, LLC. The next major phase will start at Lady Bird Lake early in 2025, with Balfour Beatty as the contractor. The entire project is scheduled for completion by 2033, weather permitting.

For those interested in more detailed updates or to receive notifications, visit the project’s dedicated website at mymobility35.org. This transformative project promises to enhance the quality of life for Austin’s residents and commuters, ensuring a smoother, safer, and more efficient travel experience.

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