MoPac South Project Publishes Draft Environmental Assessment and will Host Virtual and In-Person Public Hearing

The draft Environmental Assessment comes following comprehensive study, evaluations of several project alternatives and various operational configuration options, and receipt of public input at six open houses. A No Build, or “do nothing” Alternative is being carried forward as a baseline for comparison. 

“Public involvement has significantly shaped the MoPac South Environmental Study and Build Alternative to create a project intended to provide benefits for all types of users,” said James Bass, Executive Director for the Mobility Authority. “The 8-mile corridor continues to see growth and traffic congestion is expected to worsen over time if nothing is done.” 

About the Draft Environmental Assessment 

The draft Environmental Assessment outlines the existing environmental conditions in the project area, evaluates potential impacts on environmental resources such as land, water, cultural sites, and species, and identifies potential mitigation measures needed to minimize adverse effects of the proposed project. 

The Mobility Authority has taken a cautious approach in the development of the draft Environmental Assessment, because our community and natural resources are of great importance to us and our region. We have planned and will incorporate extensive, proven best management practices, conservation measures, and mitigations where appropriate, and the language of the draft Environmental Assessment is written as such.  In addition, we are anticipating that the Mobility Authority and TxDOT will enter into Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of carefully assessing potential adverse effects to the Austin blind salamander, the Barton Springs salamander, the Bee Cave harvestman, and Tooth Cave spider. 

About the Public Hearing 

The Public Hearing is being held virtually and in-person in an Open House format to provide an opportunity for all members of the public to participate in the process. 

The virtual Public Hearing, and official comment period, will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, and will remain available through Sunday, May 3, 2026. Participants will be able to access the virtual Public Hearing by visiting www.ph.mopacsouth.com. Virtual participants will be able to watch a pre-recorded video, view exhibits, review the proposed schematic, and submit official comments.  

The in-person Public Hearing will take place Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Bowie High School cafeteria located at 4103 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78749. The hearing will be held in an open house format where participants will be able to watch a pre-recorded video, view exhibit boards, review the proposed schematic, speak to the project team, and submit written official comments. Verbal comments will not be recorded for the official record. 

How to Comment 

The official comment period for the Public Hearing begins on Monday, March 9, 2026 and will remain open through Sunday, May 3, 2026. Comments may be submitted through one of the following methods: 

• In writing at the in-person Public Hearing 

• Online at www.ph.mopacsouth.com  

• Via e-mail at [email protected]  

• By mail to: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, c/o MoPac South, 3300 N. IH-35, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78705 

• Voicemail (3 minute maximum) at 512-387-5811 

Accommodations 

The virtual and in-person Public Hearing will be conducted in English. Interpreters or document translators may be provided upon request. Special accommodations can also be requested by persons with disabilities. For interpretation or translation services or for other special accommodations, the public may contact the project team at (512) 342-3299 no later than 4 p.m. on Fri., Mar. 13, 2026 for the in-person Hearing and no later than 4 p.m. on Fri., Apr. 24, 2026 for the virtual Hearing. 

 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 develop, deliver, operate and maintain high-quality roadways and related transportation solutions. 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 183 North Mobility Project. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.