Austin in Race Against Time to Secure Freeway Cap Funding

With a major freeway expansion project looming, the Texas capital is seeking federal funding to build several freeway ‘decks’ downtown.

1 minute read

September 27, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Interstate 35 with blurred traffic and Austin, Texas skyline in background with river in foreground at nighttime.

Ryan Conine / Adobe Stock

As the Texas Department of Transportation plows ahead with plans to expand Interstate 35 through downtown Austin in spite of local opposition to the project, local leaders hope to secure federal funding for freeway caps to mitigate the impact.

As Chase Rogers reports in the Austin American-Statesman, “Proponents see the inclusion of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway as a means to rectify the downsides of carving a thoroughfare through a major city, including the bifurcation of Austin's neighborhoods.” The new decks could create 30 acres of new real estate for park land, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways.

Due to a deadline from TxDOT, the city must make a final decision and secure funding for the project by December 2024. “TxDOT cannot allocate funding for the decks because that addition is considered cosmetic,” Rogers explains. The city hopes part of the funding will come from a Reconnecting Communities grant.

Elsewhere in the city, “University of Texas officials are exploring how to build three decks over I-35 between Dean Keeton and 15th streets, adjacent to the university's Mike A. Myers Stadium and Moody Center. As imagined in TxDOT renderings, the proposal would create 17 acres of new campus space positioned above the shrunken highway.”

Friday, September 22, 2023 in Austin American-Statesman

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of wetlands with lilypads at dusk.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling

The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

December 5 - Pew Stateline

Rendering of white, yellow, and purple Brightline West high-speed rail train speeding along highway median with blurred cars in foreground.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding

The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

December 5 - Fox 5

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5 - The Oklahoman

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.