The rubber meets the road, or not.
"Time is running out for the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority to decide whether it will commit millions toward a vision that could bring dedicated transit infrastructure to I-35," reports Caleb Pritchard.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is waiting on a timeline for a proposed plan to rebuild I-35 from Georgetown to San Marcos, requiring urgent action by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Under the proposal, Capital Metro would "offer TxDOT $18 million to reserve right of way on the interstate that could be used for three bus rapid transit stations to be built in the middle of the highway."
"The bus line that would service those stations would operate in new express lanes that TxDOT is planning to add to the freeway," according to Pritchard.
Pritchard provides more details on the evolution of the proposal, which was originally envisioned as a "super bus rapid transit." The BRT portion of the current plan would dedicate $400 million, or ten percent of the entire $4 billion I-35 project.
FULL STORY: TxDOT pressures Capital Metro to act fast on I-35 transit
Letter Reveals Changes to I-35 Expansion Plan in Austin
In addition to new HOV lanes and a proposed boardwalk, TxDOT agreed to engineer the freeway for caps in some areas, but the city would have to fund their construction.
Austin City Council Calls for Changes to Interstate Widening Plan
Legally powerless to stop TxDOT’s plans for freeway expansion, Austin city leaders hope to influence the agency to take some mitigation measures as it widens I-35.
Austin City Council Urges TxDOT to Reconsider I-35 Expansion
In a letter to the department, the city called for an increased focus on shifting demand away from single-occupancy vehicles and boosting other forms of transportation.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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