AUSTIN, Texas — In just a few months, demolition on the Austin Convention Center will start to make way for a new, larger one. But to stay on the projected timeline, the city says extending its working hours each day will make a big difference.
The Austin Convention Center is set to undergo a massive $1.6 billion dollar expansion project to nearly double the size of its rentable space. The expansion is expected to generate a $285 million economic impact for the surrounding community, $13 million in additional tax revenue to the city, and more than 1,600 jobs.
Currently, the working hours are set for 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., but after talking with stakeholders like hotels, businesses and residents near the convention center, the city has decided to work three additional hours each day. The stakeholders approved construction continuing until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Work can also last until 10:30 p.m. if needed with advance notice.
One of the major concerns for people near the convention center is how the construction could affect the traffic flow downtown. The city says during the demolition phase, the construction noise and truck hauling activity is the highest, so it's trying to complete this part as soon as possible.
By working these extra hours each day, the city says it will reduce the demolition time by about 20%, bringing the estimated timeline of 18 months, down to just 14 months. That reduction will also allow Austin to keep on track for the final completion date set for late 2028.
The one caveat stakeholders had in this expansion of hours, was that the city includes more efforts to reduce construction noise.
In a city memo to Mayor Kirk Watson and council members, Capital Delivery Services deputy director Eric Bailey laid out several ways the city will try to reduce construction noise. Some techniques include only moving truck traffic from south to north to help reduce backup, as well as using white noise backup alarms that make a quieter sound.
During early morning or late evening hours, the city will try to find trucks' alternate routes so they don’t have to drive near hotels and residences. On the weekends, Austin promised not to use any machines that move rocks or gravel earlier than 8 a.m.
Final suggestions to further reduce construction noise include using tall sound barriers at truck loading locations, and if possible, layering truck beds with dirt before dumping rocks in them.
The Austin City Council is set to approve this ordinance to amend the working hours this Thursday. On April 1, 2025, the convention center is set to close, then demolition will begin in May. The estimated construction completion date is December 2028.