BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Something to note
The local impact
Koenig Lane to White Horse Trail crash data “Before” data was collected between July 2017 to June 2022, and “after” between May 2023 to January 2026. Rates are annualized, or adjusted to reflect a rate based on a full year. Before construction After construction Total crashes 10.6 6.2 Minor injury crashes 3.4 1.09 Pedestrian crashes 1 0
Dozens of businesses line Burnet Road, and some owners have voiced concerns with the city’s com- munication about the project, including Cinthya Romriell of Cinful Sweets along C4, and Tom Rosen of Rosen’s Bagel Co. along C3. While both owners said they support the project’s intent, Romriell said communication has not been informative. “Thoughtful [construction] mitigation strategies could go a long way in ensuring that my small business is not intentionally left behind during the process,” Romriell said. “The reality right now makes it so any non-car-based transportation … is dangerous. … I think most business owners will be in favor of [the project], but we would love to … have a little bit more proactive communication.” TOM ROSEN, OWNER OF ROSEN’S BAGEL CO.
Improvements between Koenig Lane and White Horse Trail were completed in 2023 as part of the mobility program. Work included bus stop improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new turn lanes, shared-use paths and improved crossings. According to Martin, the area has seen a 42% decrease in crashes post-construction compared to pre-construction data collected between 2017-22. The city of Austin has also saved $1.7 million in comprehensive crash costs, calculated by combining economic and quality of life costs. Annualized data shows that crashes along this segment cost $2.5 million between July 2017 and June 2022. As of January 2026, crashes have only cost $764,796 since construction was completed in May 2023. “I think that’s a good visual of maybe what we can expect for the rest of the corridor,” Martin said.
Serious injury crashes 0.4 0
Bicycle crashes 0.2 0.4
SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead
improvements along Burnet and Braker Lane ahead of Q2 Stadium opening in 2021. “I do expect that the corridor will function better for drivers overall, but a really key piece of this is also there’s a lot more foot traffic in the area with Q2 and The Domain and the J. J. Pickle Research Campus,” Martin said. “Having those complete sidewalk and bike networks is really just going to open up ways for people to move around.”
“We regularly hear that there is strong community interest in improving safety and mobility along Burnet Road,” Siegel said. “Many residents expressed support for the project because they want safer streets, better pedestrian and bicycle access, and more connectivity.” Some parts of the project have even been fast- tracked and completed ahead of schedule to facilitate mobility and safety, such as pedestrian
Martin said the city has recently been working with businesses along Burnet that could be impacted by driveway reconstruction or the new sidewalks and bike lanes, and said all business access will be maintained throughout construction. District 7 council member Mike Siegel also said that the project is in line with the broader vision for the district.
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