Traffic & Transit

Austin, State Officials Seek To Curb I-35 Pedestrian Deaths

Texas Department of Transportation and city leaders will detail the use of crossing deterrents in a press conference set for Tuesday.

Transportation officials seek to curb pedestrian deaths along Interstate 35 with the planned installation of deterrents.
Transportation officials seek to curb pedestrian deaths along Interstate 35 with the planned installation of deterrents. (Tony Cantú/Patch staff)

AUSTIN, TX — In an effort to prevent pedestrian fatalities along Interstate 35, city and state officials will provide details on Tuesday related to the installation of new deterrents designed to discourage crossing the highway on foot at key locations.

The effort is part of the "Road to Zero" safety initiative to end traffic deaths on Texas roadways by 2050, officials said in a press advisory. Texas Department of Transportation officials will join city leaders in detailing the effort during a press conference on Tuesday, March 10, at 2 p.m.

The new deterrent is an expansion of the Be Safe Be Seen multi-faceted initiative created in 2017 as a proactive approach to inform the community of safe pedestrian behaviors, officials explained. The program includes reflective backpacks, educational videos, no crossing signs, painted barriers and business outreach.

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Patch will update when further details are released.

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