AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin is asking for residents’ feedback on $130 million in proposed improvements to Congress Avenue.
On Saturday, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) held an open house downtown on the project, known as the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative.
People at the event saw renderings of safer sidewalks and bike lanes along Congress Avenue between 11th Street and Riverside Drive, including the bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
The biggest change would be a large pedestrian and bike-friendly plaza between Seventh and 11th streets that would be closed to private vehicle traffic.
Laura Dierenfield, TPW’s Division Manager for Active Transportation and Street Design, said that plaza would be similar to the one the state built on the state Capitol’s north side.
“We recognize that is a big change, and so we want to hear from people,” said Dierenfield. “Everything from, you know, we have residents on Congress, we have businesses on Congress – how would those movements both large and small, on and off I-35, really work best?”
TPW also hosted an in-person open house on Oct. 22.
“We’ve heard everything from concern about the concept in general, and that was totally expected, to enthusiasm for it, and then all kinds of really great thoughts and ideas," said Dierenfield.
She said that feedback is critical to TPW reaching its goal.
“Hopefully a win-win-win – a win for the businesses, a win for the community, a win for all of the visitors that come here too, to create a great experience on Congress Avenue,” said Dierenfield.
About 90 parking spaces would also be eliminated.
Dierenfield said TPW currently has about $22 million of the $130 million needed to build the entire Congress Avenue proposal from 11th Street to Riverside Drive. Voter-approved 2020 mobility bonds will serve as the main source of funding, with projects being built in phases as money becomes available.
The first phase of construction could start as soon as 2026.
If you want to see renderings and weigh in, head to the project website.
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