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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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