TxDOT plans to widen I-35 by over a hundred feet and raze dozens of homes and businesses in north-central Austin.

TxDOT has selected its “Build Alternative 3” as its preferred alternative, a design that nearly doubles the size of I-35 through north-central Austin. We call on TxDOT to make substantial revisions to its preferred alternative to reduce its harm on central Austin communities dramatically affected by this project

Property area (in red) to by purchased by TxDOT to expand I-35; diagram by NCINC over TxDOT schematics

TxDOT’s Modified Alternative 3 will:

  • Remove the Upper Decks but widen I-35 by over 100 feet in portions of north-central Austin

  • Rebuild existing crossings to make them safer but not add any new at-grade east-west crossings

  • Expand I-35 up to 20 total lanes

  • Not add toll lanes or future right-of-way for mass transit

  • Cost more than $4.5 billion and cause construction disruptions in central Austin for more than ten years

  • Not pay for future covering or “capping” of I-35 (TxDOT will install supports for caps but refuses to pay for them)

  • Force pedestrians and bicyclists to use elevated crossings, complicated switchbacks and stairs, and tunnels just to cross intersections like Airport Boulevard

What is the Schedule?

TxDOT has recently indicated construction projects will start as early as 2024. TxDOT estimates construction will last six years; however, NCINC believes the realistic length of construction disruptions could be ten years or more.

TxDOT plans to issue its final Environmental Impact Statement and Selected Alternative in the summer of 2023, despite community concerns.

How can I provide feedback to TxDOT?

TxDOT released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in January 2023 with a public comment period that closed in March. In August, 2023, TxDOT is expected to issue its Final EIS and “Record of Decision” that will allow construction to begin, with no additional public comment periods.