AUSTIN, Texas — Bicyclists and pedestrians in Downtown Austin can now feel slightly safer when crossing a busy intersection.
The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department recently installed its new traffic and crossing signals along Interstate 35 and Fourth Street.
Now, those crossing the highway will be able to press a button alerting drivers when they're about to proceed forward. The signals will also align with CapMetro's railway crossing system to create an overall safer experience.
"With this new installment, the City of Austin seeks to improve safety in this area which includes consistent pedestrian and bicyclist crossings between East and West Austin," a recent press release stated.
This particular area of the crosswalk will also be part of the up-and-coming, 32-mile-long Red Line Trail.
This project will create a path spreading from Downtown Austin to Leander, some of which is already underway. However, certain sections of the trail won't begin their initial building phases until 2026.
The I-35 and Fourth Street crosswalk is also part of the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, once referred to as the Crosstown Greenway. This 5.4-mile rail trail provides a space for bikers and walkers alike. Traffic signals will help them stay safe on their route.
In total, the city of Austin spent approximately $400,000 for the new signals, KUT reports. It cost CapMetro roughly $430,000 to align the signal with its railway crossing.
These new additions might not last for long, though. In the coming years, TxDOT will continue to work on its $4.5 billion Capital Express Central Project, which will eventually cover eight miles from State Highway 71 to U.S. 290.
With new pedestrian paths, updated bridges, added lanes and more, the expansion project could remove the need for these traffic signals altogether.
