AUSTIN | Transportation Updates

[KevinFromTexas]

It's fine to post snippets. I do it here occasionally, but mostly in the CE section of the forum where the smackdowns happen.

You just don't want to post a full article, and any content you post from one MUST have a link to it.

[Syndic]

I just want to let y'all know that, after years of wrangling with the city (including a protest march and vigil for a dead child), it looks like we may finally get a full sidewalk down the length of Yager Ln (between Tech Ridge and Parmer Ln). It has long been called the most expensive sidewalk project in Austin due to the watershed issues along both sides of the street.

Still a long way to go, but the Public Works Dept and the Watershed Protection Dept are working together on this (which is rare apparently) so we'll have the strength of their combined budgets on our side.

Thanks to everyone who voted for Prop B for making this possible. It will be huge for our (underserved) area.

[atxsnail]

I missed this news earlier this year, but the former CEO of Waterloo Greenway, Peter Mullan stepped down to take on a new role of Chief of Architecture and Urban Design for the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP). He's the one who's overseen the Waterloo Greenway (Waller Creek park system) including the Waterloo Park renovation, which looks really nice. He's also been a major force in setting up the High Line park in NYC.

I have no idea what his new role really entails, but his involvement seems like a good thing for the transit user experience in and around the new Project Connect system. It shows a pretty high level of commitment on the part of ATP/Cap Metro to creating enjoyable vs utilitarian environments.

https://www.austinmonitor.com/storie...n-to-join-atp/

[freerover]

Project Connect needs the state to pass a low allowing them permission to use the republic square underground or they will have to use a different lot for the project. Maybe under the republic building?

[Urbannizer]

Soil testing:

[We vs us]

That's also the Blue Line corridor, too.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by We vs us

That's also the Blue Line corridor, too.

And there are several permits for core sampling for the Blue Line Tunnel. Here's one of them:

https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-s..._propertyrsn=0

[We vs us]

Originally Posted by The ATX

And there are several permits for core sampling for the Blue Line Tunnel. Here's one of them:

https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-s..._propertyrsn=0

Good find. I feel like this has to be more of a Project Connect thing rather than a Convention Center expansion thing . . . though I admit they're both pretty entangled now, from what we've seen reported.

Really glad to see some forward motion, finally!

[H2O]

Originally Posted by freerover

Project Connect needs the state to pass a low allowing them permission to use the republic square underground or they will have to use a different lot for the project. Maybe under the republic building?

Stations will be built primarily in (under) street ROW. There may be connections into the lower level of buildings where the commercial amenities will be located.

Also, the stations will probably be located at least 1/2 block east on 4th or 1/2 block north on Guadalupe because stations cannot be built on a curve. Stations will need to be about one block in length. The north station entrance will likely be adjacent to the Post Office block, or possibly even 6x Guadalupe.

[ahealy]

Originally Posted by Syndic

I just want to let y'all know that, after years of wrangling with the city (including a protest march and vigil for a dead child), it looks like we may finally get a full sidewalk down the length of Yager Ln (between Tech Ridge and Parmer Ln). It has long been called the most expensive sidewalk project in Austin due to the watershed issues along both sides of the street.

Still a long way to go, but the Public Works Dept and the Watershed Protection Dept are working together on this (which is rare apparently) so we'll have the strength of their combined budgets on our side.

Thanks to everyone who voted for Prop B for making this possible. It will be huge for our (underserved) area.

Oh wow, I had no idea that happened--how horrible. That's awesome we will be getting a sidewalk there! I live seconds away. Do you know if this would be part of the Walnut Creek bike trail expansion?

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by ahealy

Oh wow, I had no idea that happened--how horrible. That's awesome we will be getting a sidewalk there! I live seconds away. Do you know if this would be part of the Walnut Creek bike trail expansion?

The current plan/construction of phase 2 of walnut creek trail has it hitting I35 basically at the creek.

https://data.austintexas.gov/stories...stem/v3dz-djp9

A bit south of Yager. With the plan so far for 3 continuing east but not quite getting to Yager.

[H2O]

Cap Metro / ATP are holding a series of open houses on stations the last week of April.

https://capmetro.org/get-involved

[freerover]

Originally Posted by H2O

Stations will be built primarily in (under) street ROW. There may be connections into the lower level of buildings where the commercial amenities will be located.

Also, the stations will probably be located at least 1/2 block east on 4th or 1/2 block north on Guadalupe because stations cannot be built on a curve. Stations will need to be about one block in length. The north station entrance will likely be adjacent to the Post Office block, or possibly even 6x Guadalupe.

That's not true with the Republic square "station". The initial plan is more of a transit center than just a light rail station with an underground food court and plenty of space for people transferring from the Blue/Orange/and Bus line. It won't fit under the standard ROW which is why they need this bill passed or need to find a private partner.

[We vs us]

Ladies and Germs, your core samples.

[drummer]

Who knew there was so much rock in the Austin area....

[atxsnail]

Originally Posted by H2O

Cap Metro / ATP are holding a series of open houses on stations the last week of April.

https://capmetro.org/get-involved

Kind of interesting, they ask you to pick a breakout session as well that focuses on one of these specific segments:
Blue (Republic Square East to the Airport), Orange (Republic Square North to North Lamar), and Orange (Republic Square South to Stassney). They describe this in the link but I didn't realize it until I signed up.

I'm most interested in the north part of Orange, but I hope we still get a good bit of info on the major stations throughout the system.

[H2O]

Originally Posted by atxsnail

Kind of interesting, they ask you to pick a breakout session as well that focuses on one of these specific segments:
Blue (Republic Square East to the Airport), Orange (Republic Square North to North Lamar), and Orange (Republic Square South to Stassney). They describe this in the link but I didn't realize it until I signed up.

I'm most interested in the north part of Orange, but I hope we still get a good bit of info on the major stations throughout the system.

You can sign up for multiple sessions if you are so inclined.

[freerover]

Ground has been broken on the 71 overpasses for Cota east of 130 at Ross and Kellam rd.

[Echostatic]

Didn't even know this was planned. Nice to see 71 get upgrades moving further east. Eventually it should be a continuous freeway corridor out to Columbus.

[freerover]

Originally Posted by Echostatic

Didn't even know this was planned. Nice to see 71 get upgrades moving further east. Eventually it should be a continuous freeway corridor out to Columbus.

It will. There are overpasses planned at all its current lights over the next 10 years.