Are new highways in the Plans for Austin or the upgrading of existing ones? (San Antonio: taxes, living in)

[veloman777]

I'm not sure if it's been said, but yes there are improvements in the works. Mopac will get 'toll' lanes north of the river, 35 has it's own project, but seems mostly in 'dream-stage'. The Neighborhood Connectivity division of Public works is working on a lot of bicycle/ped improvements in the central region.

But for the most part, nothing can really be done about rush hour auto traffic. It will get worse as Austin grows and the mainstream public continues to use their car for transportation. I do feel bad for those who have no choice, can't move, and must drive during rush hour and waste so much time.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by veloman777

I'm not sure if it's been said, but yes there are improvements in the works.

To tell the truth, this topic gets discussed here a lot, as it has been recently. As soon as one thread dies down somebody starts another one. If you use the Search function here to pull up archived threads from the past, you'll find a wealth of previous posts on the subject.

Or you could just read this Executive Summary of the current situation I've prepared for just such an occasion:

There are lots of different ideas about how to fix the situation, but there's no money to pay for any of it.

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by OpenD

To tell the truth, this topic gets discussed here a lot, as it has been recently. As soon as one thread dies down somebody starts another one. If you use the Search function here to pull up archived threads from the past, you'll find a wealth of previous posts on the subject.

Or you could just read this Executive Summary of the current situation I've prepared for just such an occasion:

<B>

There are lots of different ideas about how to fix the situation, but there's no money to pay for any of it.

</B>

But lets go ahead and spend a half billion on a project that might benefit a couple thousand people a day.
OTOH, encourage the large employers to decentralize.

[jeffutsa2001]

If any future highways are considered you can bet they will be toll roads given the lack of funding.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by ScoPro

OTOH, encourage the large employers to decentralize.

Yep. This isn't a popular idea with certain idealists, but it is a viable solution that helps. Also, more telecommuting.

[mayfair44]

Originally Posted by veloman777

I'm not sure if it's been said, but yes there are improvements in the works. Mopac will get 'toll' lanes north of the river, 35 has it's own project, but seems mostly in 'dream-stage'. The Neighborhood Connectivity division of Public works is working on a lot of bicycle/ped improvements in the central region.

But for the most part, nothing can really be done about rush hour auto traffic. It will get worse as Austin grows and the mainstream public continues to use their car for transportation. I do feel bad for those who have no choice, can't move, and must drive during rush hour and waste so much time.

Good points. I'm all for those who push the pedals too. I've seen the plans for the Bike-ped Mopac bridge, budget and timeline. Looks nice, but doesn't seem as PRESSING. Still nothing new regarding I-35 corridor "projects" through the center of town. Priorities? Like you said, still in that "dream-stage" I suppose.

Corridor Development IH-35 - Austin Mobility

[mayfair44]

Originally Posted by jeffutsa2001

If any future highways are considered you can bet they will be toll roads given the lack of funding.

BINGO!

The Price is Right, Extended Theme - YouTube

[mayfair44]

Toll facilities coming to a road near you (take a good look at the MAP):

Austin Toll Road Projects & Programs

Check out the Planned Expressways too- 183-South, 45-Southwest and the Y:

Planned Central Texas Toll Roads

[cBach]

Manor Expressway is currently under construction.

[mayfair44]

Originally Posted by cBach

Manor Expressway is currently under construction.

Check it out: construction cams