Transportation
BY GRACE DICKENS & HALEY MCLEOD
East Braker Lane extension work continues in Austin A project aiming to reduce congestion and make roadways safer is still underway on East Braker Lane. The details 734 Extensions
CapMetro marks 40 years of service Capital Metro leaders and local officials gathered July 1 to recognize the 40th year of the transit agency’s operations in Central Texas. The big picture CapMetro was created in the mid-1980s after area voters approved a tax increase for the transit service, and the newly-formed agency soon took over bus service in Austin. Various bus, shuttle, trolley, rail and other transit options were rolled out across Central Texas in the decades since. Following the opening of a new Red Line station and recent launch of two MetroRapid bus routes on the east side under Project Connect, the system’s initial light rail com- ponent remains in development with service expected to begin in the early 2030s.
Known as the East Braker Lane Extension, the changes will add a four-lane roadway divided by a median with left-turn lanes at Taebaek Drive, with center turn lanes for vehicles turning on Taebaek Drive or Samsung Boulevard. Updates shared by the city of Austin’s Capital Delivery Services department on July 8 said that waterline installation from Austin Water has been completed, as well as the construction of a retaining wall, and work on a backfill and stormwater system. Upcoming work will include backfilling against the completed retaining walls to reach the proper level, base placement for the road, and curb and gutter installation. The project will additionally add sidewalks on both sides of the street within project limits and a pedestrian crossing at Taebaek Drive, which will also
SAMSUNG BLVD.
TAEBAEK DR.
N
be extended to connect to the incoming East Braker Lane roadway, according to the project’s website. What’s next? Construction work is scheduled for Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m., as well as Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Costing $23.9 million, work initially began in February 2024 and is expected to be completed next spring, according to the city.
Sign up for wildfire notifications and warnings at
ready
set
go!
Stay aware by signing up for alerts, monitoring, and getting ready to evacuate if needed.
When wildfire hits, it’s important to act early—and work together to evacuate safely.
Create a plan and prepare your family and your home.
AFFORDABLE TUITION SPACE AVAILABLE FOR 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR HIDDEN EDUCATION GEM OF NORTH AUSTIN • Most expansive Fine Arts program in TX • 9-time State Academic Champions • 5-time State Athletic Champions • 15 High School Athletic Offerings • One campus, PreK3–12th
Scan the QR code to learn more!
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Austin Fire Wildfire Division
Scan code with your phone camera
AUSTIN
stjude .org/walkaustin September 27 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd.
512-835-5983 | BRENTWOODCHRISTIAN.ORG 11908 N. LAMAR BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78753
© 2025 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (MCC-41457)
11
NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook