Austin Overhauling Dangerous Intersections

Austin's Visio Zero program is hard at work, making significant changes to some of the city's most dangerous intersections.

1 minute read

September 1, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A concrete expanse is visible at the intersections of two wide roads in Austin, Texas.

The intersection of Seventh Street and the southbound I-35 frontage road in Downtown Austin is a foreboding environment for all road users. | Google Streetview

The Austin Transportation Department has begun work on safety improvements at some of the city’s dangerous intersections—located in Downtown Austin between Interstate 35 frontage roads and Seventh and Eighth streets.

Sarah Asch reports on the safety projects for the Austin American-Statesman, noting that the intersections were identified for upgrades by the city’s Vision Zero plan, and are funded by the city’s 2016 mobility bond [pdf].

“The projects include curb and ramp improvements to make the area safer for pedestrians on Seventh Street on both sides of the highway. The intersection between Seventh Street and the southbound I-35 frontage road will also have a new section of bike lane installed,” reports Asch.

“In the intersection between Seventh Street and the northbound frontage road, the city plans to install a high-visibility crosswalk, which uses an unusual pattern to be more visible to pedestrians and drivers, and a raised median island to improve pedestrian safety. Another high-visibility crosswalk will be installed one block up at the intersection between Eighth Street and the northbound frontage road.”

More details on the projects and Austin’s Vision Zero program are included in the source article below.

Thursday, August 25, 2022 in Austin American-Statesman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Boston Red Line train with skyline in background.

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap

The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

15 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

View down center of street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan

Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

1 hour ago - Urban Milwaukee

Street with parking protected bike lane and parked cars in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance

The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

July 8 - Willamette Week

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA