What’s Going On?
Part of NCINC’s Mission is to inform and educate north central Austin residents about TxDOT plans. Here are some common questions.
“What is the I-35 Capital Express Central Project?”
The Capital Express Project is part of TxDOT’s “Mobility35'“ projects in the Austin metropolitan area to rebuild I-35. The “Central” segment runs from Highway 290 to the north to Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard to the south, a total of roughly 8 miles through the center of Austin. Construction of the Central segment could begin in late 2024, according to TxDOT’s current schedule.
“Does TxDOT have a project website?”
TxDOT is maintaining a project website you can visit here.
“TxDOT has been making plans for I-35 for 20 years. Why is this time different?”
This time there is funding. In April, the Texas Transportation Commission voted to approve $3.4 billion for the estimated $4.9 billion Central Segment of I-35 between US 290 East and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. An additional $600 million in funding came in August from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Final funding is expected to be dedicated in 2021.
“Where are we in the process?”
TxDOT released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in January 2023 and its Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are expected in August 2023—without any additional community feedback—paving the way for construction to begin.
“What is the construction timeline?”
Although TxDOT claimed in their DEIS that construction would be limited to six years, their recent presentation to CAMPO already has shown that construction on the Central Segment is expected to last at least eight years, beginning in the spring of 2024 and concluding no earlier than 2032. At the same time, the Capital Express North and South segments will also be under construction, meaning simultaneous construction on I-35 could stretch up to 40 miles through Austin.
“Will there be a public referendum like for Project Connect?”
No. Texas state law requires a public referendum for mass transit projects, including Project Connect. I-35 is not subject to any such law and TxDOT does not need public approval to move forward with the project. The project designs and cost are subject to nearly no local scrutiny.
“What are Managed Lanes?”
TxDOT is proposing new “Managed Lanes” in its draft plans. Formerly, TxDOT proposed that these lanes would have variable tolling similar to the new lanes on MoPac. Since then, State leadership has stated that they will not build any new toll lanes. The Managed Lanes would be open to high occupancy vehicles (2 or more passengers), transit, and emergency medical services.
“Will the project add new crossings?”
Although TxDOT says that east-west connectivity is a project priority, in practice it is not. TxDOT’s Preferred Alternative actually reduces the current total number of full crossings in the Central Segment.
“How did NCINC start?”
NCINC was founded around 2000, following the establishment of a working group in the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association to review and report on new TxDOT plans for I-35. The group was reconvened as “NCINC2” in 2013, when it successfully helped stop TxDOT “superstreets” that would have further disconnected North Central Austin. Since then, the group has actively engaged with TxDOT and local leaders as an advocate for north central neighborhoods.
“What is Induced Demand?”
Induced Demand is the theory that increasing the capacity of roadways also increases traffic volumes and thus makes congestion worse instead of better. One notable example of Induced Demand is the Katy Freeway, where travel times and congestion increased following the expansion of the freeway to 26 total lanes.
“Is this the ‘Cap and Stitch’?”
In early 2020, the Downtown Austin Alliance convened an Urban Land Institute Task Force of national experts to provide a report (PDF) on recommendations for building caps over parts of I-35 in downtown Austin. While TxDOT has signaled it may be willing to accommodate future capping of I-35, the caps are not part of TxDOT’s funded plans. The City of Austin has since started a new Cap & Stitch Program called “Our Future 35”.
“Is this Reconnect Austin?”
Reconnect Austin is a proposal to bury the I-35 main lanes and place the frontage roads on top to create a boulevard through downtown Austin. The idea proposes to be funded through development of parts of the existing right of way. Several of NCINC’s members have worked closely with Reconnect Austin but it is a separate effort from NCINC’s advocacy. For more information, visit reconnectaustin.com.
“Is this Rethink 35?”
Rethink 35 is another separate effort from NCINC that seeks to remove I-35 from the center of Austin and replace it with an at-grade boulevard that connects the city fabric. Rethink Austin also proposes a “designation switch” that would re-designate the current SH 130 as I-35. For more information, visit rethink35.com.
“What’s with the name NCINC?”
We’ve been here more than twenty years. Twenty years ago was a different time for music.