AUSTIN | Transportation Updates

[Sigaven]

Ah so the tall things are noise barriers. Neato. Thanks!

Can they use that big ol' boring machine to dig us some subway tunnels while they're at it? Just for fun!

[freerover]

Originally Posted by Sigaven

Ah so the tall things are noise barriers. Neato. Thanks!

Can they use that big ol' boring machine to dig us some subway tunnels while they're at it? Just for fun!

I imagine they are also to keep people from checking what what is going to be an awesomely large and long tunnel.

[Urbannizer]

Longhorn Bridge

https://x.com/austincityparks/status...KAMHVCgfx518rg

[SproutingTowers]

The Y in Oak Hill.

[LoneStarMike]

Federal funds cut for Austin's I-35 cap-and-stitch program - Over $100 million in federal funding for the project was cut as part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

But city leaders knew that grant funding was on the chopping block and had different ideas on how to pay for it.

In May, the city council approved a proposal that committed $104 million for four sections of caps and stitches.

"We also passed a resolution that asked staff to go look at some of these alternative funding options," Councilmember Ryan Alter said.

Alter said the intention is not to pay for this project through property taxes or local taxpayers. Instead, council members are considering visitor and car rental taxes, or a state loan.

Alter said he does not envision the city paying for the entire project, and expects the city could also bring in money from private philanthropy.

"As TxDOT told us, we don't need to come up with additional funding until 2029," Alter said.

But Councilmember Marc Duchen would prefer to pause or abandon the project altogether, considering the city's budget shortfall.

"There are much higher priorities for us to go fund than freeway caps that don't really generate a lot of value for the city," Duchen said.

[J78704]

So much winning

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

Federal funds cut for Austin's I-35 cap-and-stitch program - Over $100 million in federal funding for the project was cut as part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

[KevinFromTexas]

Originally Posted by Urbannizer

Longhorn Bridge

https://x.com/austincityparks/status...KAMHVCgfx518rg

I'm looking forward to this. I need to dust off a bike and go for a ride over there.

[Riverranchdrone]

Originally Posted by SproutingTowers

The Y in Oak Hill.

I recently travelled through this on my way to El Paso. Its been almost 13 years since I was out that way. They did a great job rerouting traffic around the construction. I was surprised at how far the construction extended past the "Y". The design had a San Antonio feel to it. Further out, it was also surprised that Austin's growth has not pushed that far out that way. There is still a noticeable gap in suburbia between Austin and Dripping Springs. Then its just a short 30 miles to 281 from there. Not much out that way yet.

[freerover]

Originally Posted by Riverranchdrone

There is still a noticeable gap in suburbia between Austin and Dripping Springs. Then its just a short 30 miles to 281 from there. Not much out that way yet.

Good. We don't need more sprawl and cars.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by Riverranchdrone

... There is still a noticeable gap in suburbia between Austin and Dripping Springs. Then its just a short 30 miles to 281 from there. Not much out that way yet.

This highway project will certainly help close that gap.

[drummer]

Both 290 and 71 will be sprawl all the way to 281 eventually. I don't love it, but it'll happen.

[gillynova]

The new walls for tunneling near to i35 downtown

[AustinInAustin]

Looks like the Longhorn Dam Bridge is 10 months ahead of schedule. Excited for this to open.

[gillynova]

I35 next to downtown (E Cesar Chavez)

[Urbannizer]

6th Street Redesign

[Riverranchdrone]

I like the Alternative 2. It has the bike lane and doesnt have any choke points for the walkers.

[J78704]

Originally Posted by Riverranchdrone

I like the Alternative 2. It has the bike lane and doesnt have any choke points for the walkers.

I don’t understand why there are any parking spaces. Only a tiny amount of people will use them compared to the intended usage… meanwhile it will back up traffic while people try to parallel park let alone the lazy people stopping or driving slowly waiting for a spot to clear like they do on S. Congress.

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by J78704

I don’t understand why there are any parking spaces. Only a tiny amount of people will use them compared to the intended usage… meanwhile it will back up traffic while people try to parallel park let alone the lazy people stopping or driving slowly waiting for a spot to clear like they do on S. Congress.

Ride share pickup/dropoff given the amount of drunk people.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by Urbannizer

6th Street Redesign

There is a link to a survey included.
I choose 2....but suggested in comments to loose the curb that "protects" the bike lane. That Would leave a wider uninterrupted street for Street Fairs to return and other gatherings to return. I am happy to see areas on sides for band loading and unloading ( they call them parking spaces! ) And took advantage in comments to deride the barriers currently on 6th.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

I am happy to see areas on sides for band loading and unloading ( they call them parking spaces! )

They also call them spaces for alcohol deliveries.