Mobility Authority to Resume MoPac South Environmental Study

What: The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), will resume the MoPac South Environmental Study, beginning with a Virtual Open House to re-engage the public in the project.

The MoPac South Project Team will share information about the same six express lane(s) operational configuration options that were presented at the last Open House in 2015. All configuration options incorporate input received from the community, as well as extensive non-tolled mobility and safety improvements that will benefit all drivers along the corridor. A No Build, or “do nothing” Alternative is being carried forward as a baseline for comparison.

“Expanding population and development have made the south Mopac corridor one of the most congested in the state,” said James Bass, executive director for the Mobility Authority. “If we do nothing to address congestion, drivers could spend an additional 35 minutes traveling the corridor by 2035. We are pleased to re-engage the public to collaboratively develop a mobility solution for this critical link in our region’s transportation network in a way that benefits residents and drivers alike.”

The Open House is being held virtually in accordance with the public health goal of limiting face-to-face contact and providing a safe opportunity for all members of the public to participate in the process. Virtual participants will be able to view and download meeting materials. Audio and visual components are also included, as well as the opportunity to submit formal comments before the Jan. 7, 2022 deadline.

When: The Virtual Open House will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, and remain available for viewing until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. The formal public comment period runs from Nov. 22, 2021, at 5 p.m. – Jan. 7, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Comments must be postmarked or received during this period to be included in the official record for the open house.

Where: The Virtual Open House will be available at voh.MoPacSouth.com by 5 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2021. In advance of launch, the public may visit the project website at www.MoPacSouth.com.

Why: The MoPac Expressway south of Cesar Chavez Street provides a critical link to downtown Austin and other major highways such as US 290, Loop 360, and 45SW Toll. Consistently ranked as one of the most congested roadways in Texas (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, 2020), it attracts up to 179,000 cars and trucks per day. Expanding population, as well as residential, retail and commercial development has led to increased traffic congestion. If we do nothing to address congestion, drivers could spend an additional 35 minutes traveling the corridor by 2035.

The Mobility Authority and TxDOT launched the environmental study in 2013 to identify a mobility solution to this stretch of congested highway that improves mobility for drivers, transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians in a manner that promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability.

For more information on the MoPac South Environmental Study, visit MoPacSouth.com.

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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, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45SW Toll Road, and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is also constructing the 183A Phase III Project in Williamson County, and the 183 North Mobility Project in north Austin. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.

About the Texas Department of Transportation  
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at www.TxDOT.gov.