AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said it will “vigorously defend” the project to expand Interstate 35 through Central Texas, in response to a lawsuit filed by Rethink35 and other opponents.
Last year, the federal government gave environmental clearance for the I-35 Capital Express Central Project – a step to move the expansion project forward.
The project would lower I-35 main lanes from Oltorf Street to Airport Boulevard. The plan also includes adding two non-tolled high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and boulevard-style segments through downtown.
But group Rethink35 has spoken out against the project, saying it won't work and that it forces businesses and homes to move and hurts the environment. The group said it wants TxDOT to invest in more public transportation to help relieve traffic, as an alternative to expanding the interstate.
On Saturday, TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said a lawsuit brought by the group is without merit.
“This is a project designed with the community and for the community,” said Williams in a statement. “We have carefully followed and even exceeded the environmental and legal requirements to advance this project. We don’t believe that the actions of these opponents have merit. TxDOT intends to continue to press forward to deliver the I-35 Capital Express Central project.”
TxDOT engineers say they need to act now because Austin is growing and traffic will only get worse if they don't do anything. They also claim to have received more than 18,000 community suggestions and found this plan to be the best solution to accommodate the rapidly growing city.
“The traffic demand is here and will continue to grow as more people move to the Austin area to take advantage of the booming job market and quality of life that Central Texas offers,” Williams said. “It’s our duty to mitigate congestion and work to advance these needed safety and mobility improvements on this critical corridor.”
Last year, some members of the Austin City Council voiced their support for Rethink35 in opposing the project. Councilmember Zo Qadri (District 9) is not commenting on the new lawsuit but previously told KVUE the council doesn't have much power to stop the expansion project, but it can be part of conversations to find alternatives.
Construction is set to begin on the project in mid-2024.