Dear Neighbors,
In this newsletter, I would like to share some updates on transportation and mobility projects around District 10. In 2016, Austinites approved a Mobility Bond that dedicated $101 million to Regional Mobility Projects designed to address traffic congestion and enhance safety. These projects are focused on major roadways and their intersections in Northwest Austin, and my updates include:
Spicewood Springs Road - Loop 360 to Mesa Loop 360 at Westlake/Cedar Loop 360 & the Courtyard Project More Loop 360 News 620 and 2222 Regional Mobility Project Other 620 Updates 183 North Updates Redbud Trail Bridge
Spicewood Springs Road - Loop 360 to Mesa |
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(Image from Austin Transportation Department) |
This project will expand Spicewood Springs Road to two lanes in each direction from Loop 360 to Mesa Drive. It also will add a new raised median with left-turn bays, and a shared use path on both sides of the road for pedestrians and cyclists, with new stormwater facilities along the road. Since the area requires both road and utility upgrades, the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) and Austin Water are coordinating on a single construction timeline.
ATD anticipates project bidding in April and Council approval of the contract this July. The two-year construction project will begin after the bird nesting season this fall. I will continue to share updates so you can plan your commutes accordingly. You can find more detailed schematics and more information on the project page.
Loop 360 at Westlake Drive/Cedar Street |
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To address traffic congestion and safety concerns, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is removing the traffic signals along Loop 360 at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street and adding underpasses (where the mainlanes go under the cross street) at both locations. This project is funded jointly by TxDOT and Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond and is part of a larger project to improve traffic flow along 360. Construction of the Westlake project is estimated to be completed by mid-2025. Find Westlake project updates here and click here to sign-up for the latest alerts and updates about Loop 360 from TxDOT.
Loop 360 & the Courtyard Project |
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TxDOT is currently nearing 100% of its design phase for the Loop 360 and Courtyard project. This project consists of improvements to the intersection at RM 2222, including a new diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This project also includes improvements to the intersection at Courtyard Drive by removing the signal on the main lanes and replacing it with an underpass.TxDOT anticipates that they will release a bid for the construction contract in the spring of 2024. The Austin Transportation Department, the Parks and Recreation Department and my office have been collaborating with TxDOT and the developer of the nearby Camelback property to ensure continued access to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook by providing parking off of W. Courtyard Drive. The overall plan is for the overpass construction to begin in Phase 1 and the parking lot construction to follow in Phase 2. Related agenda items will be brought to Council to vote on this spring.
More Loop 360 News
TxDOT encouraged the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) to apply for a grant that would pay for preliminary engineering, design, and some construction for a shared use project where such investments were not included in current TxDOT plans for 360. ATD is working through the grant application process right now with Council support. I am hopeful about ATD’s prospect for being selected and I will include updates on the project in future newsletters if the City is successful.
620 and 2222 Regional Mobility Project
The 2016 Mobility Bond also dedicated funding to improve the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222, including construction of a new bypass road to increase traffic capacity in the Four Points area from Steiner Ranch Blvd to McNeil Drive. I am pleased that this work is nearly complete. The bypass is open and TxDOT will wrap up the rest by the end of April.
Other 620 Updates
In response to constituent concerns, I have worked with the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) and TxDOT to explore ways to improve traffic safety along RM 620 between RM 2222 and Boulder Lane. While this area is under TxDOT jurisdiction, ATD operates the traffic signals and timing. ATD has provided crash data showing that most crashes occur at the following signalized intersections - RM 2222, Four Points, Concordia Univ. Driveway, and Boulder Lane.
TxDOT is replacing the signal equipment at these locations through the end of April. Once construction is complete, the corridor signals will be re-timed. We anticipate changes to left turn treatments at these signals; potentially expanding the use of ‘protected only’ left turns (green arrow). The corridor re-timing is scheduled for completion this May. ATD will continue to monitor traffic operations and crash data at these intersections to ensure that traffic safety is improved.
Additionally, TxDOT will hire a design consultant this fall to explore further improvement opportunities for RM 620 from Hudson Bend Road to US 183, including roadway expansion and grade separation.
183 North Updates |
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(Image from Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Update, Fourth Quarter of 2022) |
My office has been coordinating with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) about improvements to 183 North, and I would like to share the following update:
The 183 North Mobility Project will provide a new reliable travel option along US 183 between MoPac and SH 45 North. With construction of two express lanes in each direction along the 9-mile stretch and a direct connector ramp to the existing MoPac Express Lane, the project will provide drivers from far north Austin an uninterrupted route into Austin’s downtown core. The project also includes operational improvements for the transition to MoPac, in addition to new shared use path segments, sidewalks, and cross-street connections for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Construction activity along the project corridor has progressed at a steady pace. During the fourth quarter of 2022, crews continued bridge substructure work, earth work, utility relocations, in addition to sidewalk and business driveway reconstructions.
Sign-up for future 183 North mobility updates here.
Redbud Trail Bridge |
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(Image from Austin Transportation Department) |
I secured $52 million in the 2018 mobility bond to rebuild Redbud Trail Bridge, supplementing voter-approved bond funding from 2012 which was originally earmarked to prolong the life of the bridge. This project will include construction of a new bridge to address current and future motor vehicle traffic volumes, and pedestrian and cyclist safety. The Austin Transportation Department (ATD) is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for project design and permitting through June of 2024. Construction is estimated to be completed by December 2027. For more information, visit the project webpage.
As your council member and as a board member of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), I will continue to champion creative mobility solutions that enable us to travel more safely and efficiently between the places we live, work, and play. As our community grows, these mobility investments and improvements are ever more critical. Thank you for your patience as it takes more time and money than one imagines to safely design and build transportation projects.
In the remainder of this newsletter, you will find several input opportunities for mobility plans, information on summer camp counselor positions, updates on storm debris pickup, and more.
Regards,
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Council Member, District 10 |
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Featured District 10 Greenspace: Head to Squirrel Fest at Pease Park! + Spring Volunteer Events
Council Member Alter in the Community Celebrating International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and Equal Pay Day Ribbon Cutting– Improvements at Emma Long Park Speaking at Anderson HS Principal’s Coffee Austin Common Radio Hour Interview Volunteering at It’s My Park Day + Organize a Fall IMPD Event!
Updates on City Services Service and Public Input Opportunities Announcements New Signage Along Shoal Creek Trail Summer Jobs: Lifeguards and Camp Counselors Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program Discount Apply for the Live Music Fund Event Program Childcare Providers: Apply for United Way’s Mini-Grant Stop by Mayfield Park this Saturday for the Trowel and Error Gardening Symposium
Safety Tips and Updates Neighborhood Emergency Guide Sign up for Emergency Alerts Stop the Spread of Child Respiratory Illnesses
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Audit of Austin Water: Implementation Update After the February 2022 boil water notice, I authored a resolution calling for an external audit of our water utility to assess what went wrong and how to prevent future failure. In January of this year, the UT Center for Water and the Environment released their report, and this week, Austin Water presented their implementation plan for the report recommendations.
Check out a summary of Austin Water’s implementation plan here, and watch their presentation and my questions here. I also invite you to review my last newsletter and this recent news story.
Expanding Paid Parental Leave I co-sponsored a resolution from Council Member Vanessa Fuentes last December that directed the City Manager to explore the expansion of paid parental leave for City employees. I am proud that the City is doubling parental leave to 12 weeks by fall of 2024 for civilian employees and that we also recently created paid parental leave for sworn Police, Fire and EMS employees.
State Legislative Agenda: Menstrual Product and Diaper Taxes Last summer, I offered a resolution to support state legislative action to eliminate sales taxes on diapers and certain menstrual products. This week, the Texas house approved a bill to remove sales tax on diapers, feminine hygiene products, and certain baby and breastfeeding supplies. The bill is slated to move to the Senate Finance Committee next. Thank you to Rep. Donna Howard for filing this proposal.
Climate Equity Plan Update At a March 7th work session, Council received an update on the implementation of the Climate Equity Plan. In 2021, I led on an implementation resolution to ensure the success of the plan. The briefing this month focused on the plan’s Natural Systems section, and the health and quality-of-life benefits associated with protecting the networks of plants, soils, hydrology, geology, and animals in our community. |
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Featured District 10 Greenspace: Head to Squirrel Fest at Pease Park! + Spring Volunteer Events Celebrate the spring with Pease Park Conservancy on April 15! Squirrel Fest is an annual free event with live music, food, movies, and a local market on the lawn of Pease Park. I’ll be attending and introducing the movie in the evening! Learn more at peasepark.org/squirrel-fest.
Pease Park Conservancy is also hosting a number of April volunteer opportunities. Learn more and sign up here.
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Celebrating International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and Equal Pay Day On March 8th I hosted a celebration of International Women's Day, Equal Pay Day, and Women’s History Month at City Hall. I was joined by my female colleagues on the Council, Assistant City Manager Veronica Briseño and Senator Sarah Eckhardt. Over 150 local elected women and female leaders in the City gathered with us to mark the achievements of the women in our community and reflect on the work that remains to advance gender equity in Austin. Thank you to the women who joined in the celebration — your work continues to inspire me. |
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Ribbon Cutting– Improvements at Emma Long Park Last week I joined Austin Parks and Recreation and Texas Parks and Wildlife for a ribbon cutting celebrating improvements to Emma Long Park in my district! Much of the funding for the park’s updated trails, courts, campgrounds, and picnic areas was sourced from voter-approved bonds, and I’m proud to be part of a community that values our parks and greenspaces. Head to Emma Long this month to check out the improvements in person! |
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Speaking at Anderson HS Principal’s Coffee Thank you to Anderson High School for having me at the Principal’s Coffee last Friday! I’m always glad to chat with other AISD parents about my priorities and our shared goals. |
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Austin Common Radio Hour Interview Check out my interview (starting at 24:15) on The Austin Common Radio Hour. We talked about police contracts in Austin, why I supported the four-year option, and how we don’t have to choose between public safety staffing and civilian oversight.
The Austin Common is a local news platform that encourages civic awareness and participation through email newsletters, podcast episodes, and social media. Learn more and check out their available resources at theaustincommon.com.
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Volunteering at It’s My Park Day + Organize a Fall IMPD Event! I started in politics as a parks advocate, and It’s My Park Day is one of my favorite ways that our community comes together to celebrate our beloved parks. This month I joined volunteers working on maintenance and improvement projects at Great Hills, Perry, and Pease Park in my district.
To organize a cleanup or improvement project at your favorite park for the next IMPD in November, visit austinparks.org/impd.
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Free Programs at D10’s Howson Branch Library Stop by District 10's Howson Branch Library for some fantastic free monthly events, including writing workshops, French/English and Japanese/English storytimes, reading time with trained therapy dogs, and foreign film night! See the full list of upcoming events here. |
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Storm Debris Pickup Update Austin Resource Recovery is updating this map to show their pickup progress in each neighborhood. Residents in the ESD4 service area can request free debris pickup from Travis County by calling 512-854-9433 or emailing your street name to tnr.dispatch@traviscountytx.gov. |
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Light Rail Virtual Open House Voters approved Project Connect in November 2020. Facing rising costs and supply chain issues affecting communities on a global basis, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is developing a light rail plan to deliver the transit expansion to the community while being mindful of budgetary restrictions.
If you couldn’t make the in-person light rail open house earlier this month, it’s not too late to share your feedback on five updated Light Rail options online through May 2. |
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New Signage Along Shoal Creek Trail Austin Public Works’ Urban Trails Program is completing the installation of mile markers and trail signage along 9.5 miles of Shoal Creek Trail from Lady Bird Lake to the Northern Walnut Creek Trail. The signage was funded through the 2016 Mobility Bond and coordinated by the Shoal Creek Conservancy, Pease Park Conservancy, and Austin Parks and Recreation. A lot of the area managed by Shoal Creek Conservancy is in District 10. Visit the trails and check out the new signage this spring! |
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Summer Jobs: Lifeguards and Camp Counselors Austin Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards and summer camp counselors. Pay starts at $20 per hour. Learn more and apply now at AustinTexas.gov/SummerJobs. |
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Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program Discount The cost of reliable Internet service can prevent many Austinites from getting online. The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides significant discounts on monthly Internet bills and computer purchases. Participants in the income-based programs listed here will likely qualify. To get more information about the ACP and how to apply, you can call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or go to austintexas.gov/affordableinternet. |
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Apply for the Live Music Fund Event Program The Live Music Fund Event Program will offer $5,000 and $10,000 grants for local professional musicians, bands, and independent promoters to produce and publicize awarded projects. Grant funds may be used to cover expenses for music events, studio and video production, staffing and professional services, merchandise distribution, music broadcasting, and more. Applications are open from April 4-May 16. Check your eligibility and apply at austintexas.gov/atxmusic/live-music-fund-event-program. |
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Stop by Mayfield Park this Saturday for the Trowel and Error Gardening Symposium Stop by Mayfield Park this Saturday for the Mayfield Park Community Project's annual "Trowel & Error" Gardening Symposium! In addition to guest speakers, the symposium will feature a raffle, refreshments, and a pass-along plant sale. Learn more here. |
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Neighborhood Emergency Guide Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management has created a Neighborhood Preparedness Guide, available digitally at readycentraltexas.org to help individuals, families and neighborhoods create their emergency plans. |
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Sign up for Emergency Alerts As the City continues to streamline emergency communications, I recommend signing up for updates with the following alert systems: Follow Austin’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter. |
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Stop the Spread of Child Respiratory Illnesses A lot of children have been sick with upper respiratory illnesses this season. Vaccinate your children against flu and COVID-19 to prevent serious illness and hospitalization. Both vaccines are available for children 6 months and older. Learn more about vaccine availability and respiratory illness prevention at AustinTexas.gov/BeYourChildsHero. |
