Ground Broken On Improvements To Key North Austin Artery

AUSTIN – State and local elected officials on Wednesday broke ground on the first two project to improve traffic flow on RM 2222 and RM 620.

The heavily traveled roadways in northwest Austin will get much-needed improvements designed to enhance mobility. The first project will add a third lane to eastbound RM 2222 from Bonaventure Drive to Sitio Del Rio Boulevard and westbound from Ribelin Ranch Drive to Sitio Del Rio Boulevard. A center median with turn lanes will also be constructed within the project limits. A second project, expected to go out to bid this summer, will add a bypass lane from near Steiner Ranch to RM 2222.

“Combined, these design elements will reconfigure traffic movements in a more efficient way that reduces the logjam we experience daily,” Austin District Engineer Terry McCoy said. “The innovative approach to addressing congestion at this intersection allowed us to deliver these projects much faster, and at a lower cost.”

Added State Rep. Vikki Goodwin: “Our traffic issues affect our quality of life. “I am in favor of all transportation options but roads continue to play an important role.”

Related story: Key North Austin Road Slated For Improvements

Austin Mayor Steve Adler noted that the city teamed with TxDOT to pay for utility relocation and right-of-way acquisition: “TxDOT is a wonderful partner for our city and our region,” Adler said. “I’m proud that the city as a community stepped forward to do what other communities were doing around the state to co-invest in these projects.”

Speakers: (left to right) Austin Mayor Steve Adler; State Rep. Vikki Goodwin; TxDOT Austin District Engineer Terry McCoy; Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan; and Austin City Council Member Alison Alter. Texas Department of Transportation courtesy photo.

The widening of RM 2222 is expected to complete by summer 2020, weather permitting. The construction cost is $23.6 million. Capital Excavation Company is the contractor.

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>>> Top image: Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation join State Representative Vikki Goodwin, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Austin city council members Alison Alter and Jimmy Flannigan to break ground on the RM 2222 widening project. Texas Department of Transportation courtesy photo.