MoPac Express Lanes Slated for Construction in Fall 2013The 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. In addition to the Express Lanes, the MoPac Improvement Project will include aesthetic enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, plus the construction of sound walls to mitigate roadway noise. The Express Lanes will be constructed within the existing property limits, so no property acquisition will be necessary. A precise construction schedule is not yet available, but the project should be complete by late 2015. The Mobility Authority has included incentives in the construction contract to encourage CH2M HILL to finish sooner, if possible. Much of the construction work will occur at night. The Mobility Authority is taking steps to minimize noise, but nearby residents should be prepared for construction related disruptions. The construction team will be prioritizing early construction of sound walls. A precise plan for sound wall construction including locations and timing is under development. The Mobility Authority and TxDOT are requiring that all travel lanes remain open during daytime hours. In rare instances a construction related problem could lead to an unexpected lane closure. In an effort to prevent such situations CH2M HILL will face financial penalties any time lanes are closed outside of the approved timeframe. Despite these restrictions and a concerted effort to keep traffic moving, drivers should still anticipate slowdowns once construction begins. In the coming months this web site will be evolving to provide a wider range of information about construction and the benefits that will follow. Meanwhile, a study will also be getting underway in 2013 to look at improvements to MoPac from Lady Bird Lake south to Slaughter Lane. A companion web site for that project is under development. Stay Tuned!
HolaMoPac is one of Austins most important arteries, serving as a key route to downtown and points beyond. The primary alternative to Interstate 35, more than 180,000 cars and trucks travel through downtown a day. At the urging of local and state leaders, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation, the City of Austin and Capital Metro have partnered to develop a reasonable proposal to the mobility problem that takes into account the needs of drivers, transit riders and the concerns of surrounding neighbors.    
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August 23, 2012
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