It’s no secret that Austin traffic is getting worse and worse. It is the topic of conversation at the beginning and end of most people’s day as they migrate to and from work, especially for those that travel along the MoPac Expressway.
You have probably started seeing signed for lane closures and construction barriers here and there on MoPac. Here are some highlights of the MoPac Improvement Project and what is to come over the next three years:
- The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has hired CH2M Hill to design and build Express Lanes on north MoPac from Lady Bird Lake to Parmer Lane. The contractor is currently designing the project and plans to begin construction by fall 2013.
- There will be sound walls from 7-20 feet high to help the residents who own property along MoPac. No property acquisition will be obtained from any homeowners.
- The construction will occur at night between 9pm and 5am and nearby residents should be prepared for noise disruptions at night.
- The project is scheduled to be complete by fall of 2015, but there are incentives for CH2M Hill to finish sooner.
- You can find maps for the full project and environmental studies here.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s toll road initiative for 183A extends from northwest Austin through Cedar Park and Leander in northwest Williamson County.
- The first section of 183A opened in March 2007. Traffic was much higher than expected, so they began a 5 mile extension that runs from New Hope Road north to San Gabriel Parkway. This northern extension opened in April 2012.
- The Toll Road Rates range from a minimum of $.37 to as much as $9.20 depending on the axle and form of payment.