Many Austin motorists have found themselves stopped on MoPac Expressway, the North-South road that is intended to alleviate traffic on its cross-town alternative, Interstate 35.
In an attempt to address the traffic flow in-between Cesar Chavez Street and Parmer Lane, local and state government officials as well as the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Cap Metro will be holding public meetings to discuss possible solutions to the problem, as well as get feedback from Joe and Jane Driver on how the MoPac issue can be resolved.
The two meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday, December 1st
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
O. Henry Middle School cafeteria
2610 West 10th Street, Austin, 78703 - Thursday, December 2nd
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Murchison Middle School cafeteria
3700 North Hills Drive, Austin, 78731
As Community Impact News reports, the city will be throwing a considerable amount of money behind the project:
Pustelnyk said the total project cost is in the range of $250 million and CTRMA would be responsible for the vast majority, with a tentative commitment from TxDOT [Texas Department of Transportation] of roughly $70 million.
Some of the ideas offered for smoothing traffic in the area include:
-Add an HOV Lane (Either one that will switch depending on traffic flow or two that will run full-time)
-Add full-purpose lanes in both directions.
-Add “express lanes” that will benefit first responders and registered carpools.
Whatever the course of action, an expansion of this size typically is followed by the placement of tolls to help facilitate the cost. While some encourage the use of tolls as they are a deterrent to drive (resulting in less traffic, pollution), some motorists may be less enthusiastic about paying to get across town.