AUSTIN, Texas — Editors note: The above video was published on Jan. 19. It covers the "Cap and Stich" project for I-35 that was presented to the Austin City Council.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking for the public's input regarding an alternative for the Interstate 35 Capital Express Central project.
This alternative – called Modified-Build Alternative 3 – would add two non-tolled high-occupancy-vehicle managed lanes on I-35 from US 290 East to State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard.
The project would also call for the following between Airport Boulevard and Lady Bird and Riverside Drive and Oltorf Street:
- Remove upper decks
- Widen east-west cross-street bridges
- Add boulevard-style segments through Downtown Austin
- Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle paths
The portion of I-35 that runs through Austin is ranked as the third most congested highway in Texas. Projections show that the congestion is expected to double by 2045 without improvements, according to TxDOT.
TxDOT wants residents to voice their opinions during a virtual public hearing that will be available beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, until Tuesday, March 7.
You can also submit comments several different ways:
- Online on the I-35 Capital Express website
- Via email to CapExCentral@txdot.gov,
- By leaving a voicemail at 512-651-2948
- By mail to I-35 Capital Express Central Project Team, 1608 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78703.
There will also be an in-person public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, located at 1156 Hargrave Street in Austin.