Austin Mobility News For August 30

Press release from the City of Austin:

August 31, 2021

Future work will include the installation of new travel lane configurations, signal upgrades to better serve the Krieg Softball Complex and flex posts separating the north and southbound travel lanes to reduce motor vehicle crashes. Once complete, these changes will enhance safety for everyone on South Pleasant Valley Road, including the most vulnerable road users. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/LonghornDam.

The City of Austin, in partnership with Downtown Austin Alliance and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is moving forward on plans to cap and stitch I-35 through downtown Austin.

As part of TxDOT’s $4.9 billion Capital Express Central project, the city and its partners are planning to build large decks or “caps” over the interstate and are planning to widen overpasses above the highway, creating “stitches” that include protected paths for bicycles and pedestrians and improve east to west connectivity for all travelers.

Plans to cap and stitch the interstate are preliminary and based upon recommendations from the Urban Land Institute as well as ongoing community engagement. The community’s voice will continue to shape the project design, and a survey is open for residents to provide feedback on the locations, features and outcomes they would like to see.

The city and its partners have the opportunity to cap and stitch I-35 through downtown Austin because of TxDOT’s Capital Express Central project, which includes the reconstruction of I-35. The phased construction of caps and stitches is expected to begin alongside TxDOT’s Capital Express Central groundbreaking, which is anticipated in late 2025.

A virtual open house is also open through Sept.24 for residents to provide feedback on the Capital Express Central Project. In addition to the materials online, Austinites can stop by the Austin Central Library and Austin Public Library’s Carver branch anytime the two locations are open to see the presentation materials in person.

You can learn more about the cap and stitch project plans here, and find information on the city’s role and its goals for the I-35 project here.

Speeding is one of the primary factors that contribute to most fatal crashes in Austin, along with impaired driving, distraction and failure to yield. Learn more about the updated Speed Management Program.

The Austin Police Department and Austin Transportation are working to reduce unsafe driving and vehicle crashes by conducting a No Refusal Program initiative over Labor Day weekend.

The No Refusal Program allows jurisdictions to obtain search warrants for blood samples from suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath or blood tests. It will be in effect Sept. 2-6 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The collaboration between APD and ATD is part of Austin's Vision Zero efforts to make streets safer. Last year, there were more than 1,250 DWI-related arrests during No Refusal Program initiatives.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way this Labor Day weekend or any other time. Learn more about making a plan to get home safe.

This press release was produced by the City of Austin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.