TxDOT To Host Hearing On I-35 Capital Express South Project

Austin TX

26 April, 2021

2:58 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX —The Texas Department of Transportation will host a virtual public hearing with an in-person option to gather input on the recommended alternative for improvements to Interstate 35 from State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast. The virtual public hearing will begin Tuesday through Wednesday and will be made available on my35capex.com. Comments must be received on or before Monday to be included in the official meeting record, officials said. An in-person option will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the TxDOT South Travis/Hays County Area Office, 9725 S. I-35 in Austin. Individuals wishing to attend in person, must call (512) 766-3472 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make an appointment. The $300 million improvement project, known as the I-35 Capital Express South project, proposes adding two high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35, TxDOT officials said. The project includes constructing a southbound I-35 intersection bypass lane at Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive; adding 2.5 miles of auxiliary lanes for entering and exiting traffic; constructing braided northbound entrance and exit ramps at Slaughter Lane; and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the corridor. The project also proposes to elevate the managed lanes between State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard and Slaughter Lane. Authorities said elevating the managed lanes allows for the addition of shoulders, reduces conflict points where vehicles merge, or cross, which is anticipated to reduce the number of crashes by 55 percent. In terms of safety cost benefits, the elevated section would save about $21 million per year, officials said. The public may submit comments using any of the following methods: Online: my35capex.com Email: [email protected] Verbal comment by voicemail: (512) 501-5451 Mail: Matthew Cho, P.E., 1608 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703