Project Connect

Transit planners envisage a three-level system that includes a concourse allowing people to walk for blocks underground.

Transportation

Light-rail tunnel under downtown Austin might not happen after all

Nathan Bernier

The Austin Transit Partnership is considering what to cut or delay as Project Connect costs soar amid high inflation.

A cross-section illustration of what a subway station could look like. At the ground-level, a small structure is surrounded by trees. On the level beneath that is the "back of house" infrastructure needed to keep the station running. The second level down is a concourse and the bottom level is a station platform. Escalators are shown connecting each level.

Transportation

Here's what Austin's subway stations could look like

Nathan Bernier

The vision presented by the Austin Transit Partnership previews a future where Austin would join the ranks of American cities with their own iconic subways like New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

An aerial view of the upper decks of I-35 and the neighborhoods surrounding them. The highway bisects the image diagonally. From this high, cars appear as small rectangles moving along the interstate. Next to the highway on the east side is a line of businesses and a few billboards. Further east are pictured the tops of single-family houses and trees. On the west side of the highway, A large condominium complex is under construction. In the distance, the Hancock Golf Course and the Hancock Shopping Center are visible. This photo was taken with a DJI Mavic Mini drone in August 2021.

Transportation

What is eminent domain?

Nathan Bernier

A lot more private property will be seized for public transportation projects in Austin through the use of government authority.

A cutaway view of a CapMetro light-rail vehicle

Transportation

This is what Austin's light-rail trains could look like

Nathan Bernier

The Austin Transit Partnership has unveiled more details about the trains it wants for a multibillion dollar light-rail service set to be up and running as soon as 2029.

Guadalupe Street with Dirty Martin's in the foreground and other business affected in the background

Austin

Dirty Martin's is among a cluster of businesses slated to be forced out by light-rail line

Nathan Bernier

Project Connect's Orange Line will run from Stassney Lane through the UT campus and up to the North Lamar Transit Center. Maps show how Guadalupe Street would be redrawn between 29th and 27th streets to accommodate the rail.

An aerial view of Lady Bird Lake where a light-rail bridge would cross.

Transportation

A new light-rail bridge over Lady Bird Lake could allow buses for an extra $60 million, agency says

Nathan Bernier

Designers would build a bigger light-rail bridge to accomodate CapMetro buses under a proposal being presented tonight.

Transportation

Inflation and design changes are pushing the cost of Project Connect over $10 billion

Nathan Bernier

Officials say they don't expect more tax hikes, but the higher cost could delay a full rollout of the transit expansion.

A view down South Congress Avenue near Wasson Road

Transportation

Left turns will be restricted along Austin light-rail routes

Nathan Bernier

Cars and trucks will lose easy access to driveways and smaller streets to reduce the risk of crashes and slowdowns.

An exterior view of the Hole in the Wall

Transportation

Hole in the Wall wouldn't be razed under plan to extend Dean Keeton, but neighboring businesses would

Nathan Bernier

Project Connect planners want to extend Dean Keeton Street one block west so cars will have somewhere to go if they're limited or banned from Guadalupe Street.

The 315 to Oak Hill Plaza sits at the South Congress Transit Center.

Transportation

Capital Metro expects to return to full service in August

Nathan Bernier

As the agency's leaders celebrate the start of construction on a new high-frequency bus route, existing commuters are still dealing with reduced bus schedules implemented in September.