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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

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.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

1 hour ago - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

2 hours ago - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

3 hours ago - Mass Transit