Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
Vision Zero initiative saves lives and $28M in Austin Fatal and serious injury crashes have decreased by 22% at major intersections in Austin where safety improvements have been made, according to a June report on the city’s Vision Zero program. The initiative aims to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. The gist Since 2016, the Austin Transportation Department has completed safety improvements on 27 separate intersections in Austin. In addition to saving an estimated 40 people from being injured or killed at these locations, a nearly 20% decrease in total crashes seen at major intersections has resulted in an annual comprehen- sive cost of crash savings of over $28 million. Per the report, the construction of safety improvements for all 22 intersections cost $18.5 million.
City implements new public paid parking along SoCo Avenue The city of Austin has installed new signs outlining new paid parking zones around South Congress Avenue to address long-standing parking issues within the area, according to an update from the city of Austin’s transportation department. What you should know Some zones will be designated exclusively for paid visitor parking, while others will be shared with residents and/or business employees. Signs will guide visitors on which parking zone they are in. The district will be completely digital. Driv- ers wishing to park in the area can download the Park ATX app, or text “parking” to 30843 and follow prompts to start a parking session.
Crash type comparison
120 150
18.3%
28.4%
0 30 60 90
Vision Zero reporting shows reductions across all crash types at major intersections in Austin from 2016 to early 2023.
20.7%
37.8%
33.8%
Before safety improvements After safety improvements
Rear end
Angle*
Pedestrian- involved
Left turn across path
Bicycle- involved
*TYPICALLY FROM RUNNING A RED LIGHT
SOURCE: VISION ZERO ANALYTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Project Connect financing trial on hold A trial over the legitimacy of the Project Connect system’s funding has been put on hold, after state attorneys appealed a decision in the legal effort by Austin transit officials to validate the financial plan. The overview After Austin voters approved a long-term tax
How we got here
increase to support a new light rail and rapid bus network in 2020, cost increases prompted officials to scale the plan back by about half. Reducing the system led several Austinites to sue the Austin Transit Partnership. Project Connect’s financing plan has also been opposed by Attorney General Ken Paxton. A trial to determine the legality of the ATP financ- ing began in Travis County court June 17. However, an appeal filed by Paxton’s office has halted proceedings until a higher court determines if ATP can continue its bond validation case.
November 2020 Voters approve Project Connect tax increase April 2022 Cost estimates increase nearly 80% May-June 2023 Officials approve scaled-back rail plan November 2023 Austin taxpayers sue over changes to ATP plans June 2024 Funding validation trial on hold NOTE: NOT A COMPREHENSIVE TIMELINE SOURCES: AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP, CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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