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Green Initiative
Current Expressway ProjectsThe Mobility Authority is currently constructing two expressway projects – the 183A Extension and the Manor Expressway and several sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, improving recycling and protecting the environment are underway. These include the use of warm mix asphalt technology to lower fuel consumption, an emphasis on the use of recycled products in asphaltic concrete construction, as well as required field office and project site recycling. Green Mobility ChallengeIn July 2011, the Mobility Authority, in partnership with TxDOT, launched the Green Mobility Challenge a sustainable design competition that challenged Texas' most creative landscape architects, planners and engineers to propose better ways of constructing, operating and maintaining future transportation projects. By challenging teams to identify new methods, new materials and new ways of thinking, the Mobility Authority hopes to ensure transportation facilities in Central Texas are implemented and operated in a way that is environmentally responsible. To view the winning presentations or for more information, visit www.GreenMobilityChallenge.com.
Green Credits Program for Future ProjectsIn September 2010, the Mobility Authority Board of Directors adopted a Green Credits program for all future projects. The Mobility Authority developed the program to promote and reward sustainable planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance practices by awarding credits to contractors for incorporating sustainable initiatives. The program is the first of its kind in Central Texas and is designed to be similar to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for buildings. For each new project, the Mobility Authority will identify and designate sustainable initiatives. The contactor can choose to complete any of the identified initiatives and/or submit their own for approval. The Mobility Authority will establish a minimum number of credits that must be achieved for base certification. Incentives may also be granted for exceeding the base certification requirements by a set amount of credits. Green Credits for the Manor ExpresswayThe Green Credits program will be implemented for the development and construction of the second phase of the Manor Expressway. Some of the sustainable initiatives chosen for this project include: using energy-efficient LED lighting and solar-powered traffic control devices, recycling demolished construction materials, using recycled materials in pavement and decreasing the emissions of construction vehicles and equipment. Construction of this phase of the project is expected to begin in 2011. |
MoPac toll lane project finally gaining speed – January 30, 2012 | Long-term transportation funding likely to be delayed – January 25, 2012 | Tolls, taxes and a touching story – January 8, 2012 | 11 key road projects in works for 2012 – January 1, 2012 | Austin traffic congestion still nation's third worst, study says – September 27, 2011 | Virginia can move ahead with I-95 toll plan, feds say – September 20, 2011 | Senate approves FAA, highway funding extensions – September 16, 2011 | Gas tax may be next Tea Party target – August 4, 2011 | Ready for an Obama gas tax break? TxDOT might not be – July 11, 2011 | Austin's next tollway clears final finance hurdle – June 10, 2011 | States push to convert interstate highways into toll roads – June 8, 2011 | Tax on miles driven could be coming – May 28, 2011 | Mopac upgrades may help hike and bikers – May 26, 2011 |
The Mobility Authority's mission is to implement innovative solutions that reduce congestion and create multimodal transportation choices that enhance quality of life and economic vitality. In line with this mission, the Mobility Authority promotes sustainability in the development of transportation projects and has adopted a Green Credits rating program to be utilized for all projects moving forward.