Texas Transportation Commission Approves Funding for 183 North Mobility Project
(Austin, Texas) – The Texas Transportation Commission cleared the way for the 183 North Mobility Project yesterday when it approved the release of $104.2 million in federal funding for the non-tolled portion of the roadway. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) will borrow $500 million in funding and utilize a fast track approach to design and build this project that expands capacity along a 9-mile stretch of US 183 North between SH 45 North and MoPac and includes additional operational improvements south along MoPac.
The 183 North Mobility Project will address traffic congestion along US 183 North, which is a major issue during ever expanding peak traffic demand periods. The Texas Transportation Institute estimates that congestion on this stretch of roadway caused 1,617,906 hours of delay in 2018, costing the region more than $30 million annually. It is the 74th most congested roadway in the State of Texas.
“At the Mobility Authority, we’re focused on addressing the most severe congestion in the region first,” said Mike Heiligenstein, executive director for the Mobility Authority. “The 183 North Mobility Project will translate to a reliable nine-minute commute – a significant reduction in travel time for commuters using that corridor. And commuters who prefer not to pay a toll will also benefit from the non-tolled components of this project. Building the non-tolled and tolled elements as part of the one project will minimize impacts to the driving public while maximizing cost and construction efficiencies.”
The project will add two tolled express lanes in each direction in the middle of US 183, while the existing US 183 will be expanded to four non-tolled general-purpose lanes in each direction. The project also includes adding a direct connector between the existing express lanes on MoPac and the new express lanes on US 183, allowing for uninterrupted commutes from far north Austin and Williamson County to downtown Austin or beyond.
During planning for the project, the Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation conducted an extensive public input process that led to additional enhancements for the corridor. The project includes a multimillion-dollar investment in bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including two new shared-use path segments near Pond Springs Drive and new sidewalks and cross-street connections for bicycles/pedestrians. There are a number of schools in the immediate area and these facilities will help with safe travel for both students and adults commuting on bikes.
Selection of a contractor to complete final design and construct the roadway will begin this spring. The project is anticipated to break ground in early 2021, and construction along 183 North is expected to last approximately four years.
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About the Mobility Authority
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll in Williamson County, 290 Toll in east Austin, the 71 Toll Lane in east Austin, and the MoPac Express Lane in Central Austin. The agency is also finishing construction of the eight-mile 183 South Project in east Austin, and constructing the four-mile SH 45SW toll road between FM 1626 and MoPac in southern Travis and northern Hays counties. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.