Transportation
BY ZARA FLORES, KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON
Slaughter Lane bond project underway Austin construction crews began work on Slaughter Lane, which runs from Cullen Lane to Bluff Springs Road, in mid-January. The project is part of the city’s Corridor Program, funded by the 2016 Austin in Motion Mobility bond, said Ann Smajstrla, public informa- tion specialist for the city’s capital delivery services department. There are lane closures on either side of Slaughter Lane for the installation of pro- tected bike lanes and sidewalks. There will also be a new traffic signal installed in front of the Still Waters apartment complex at 515 E. Slaughter Lane, Austin. The project is expected to be completed in November, Smajstrla said. The total planned spending for the project is $12.2 million, according to the city’s capital projects website.
FITZHUGH RD.
12
MOPAC
1826
290
N
Dripping Springs locals protest Hwy. 290 plan A group of Dripping Springs residents filed a petition April 9 against the Texas Department of Transportation’s proposed 13 mile revamp of Hwy. 290 from Southwest Austin to Dripping Springs. The why The petition argues that TxDOT’s plan adds more lanes than necessary to the corridor and would bring noise, air and light pollution to the hill country. Residents asked TxDOT to come back with
a plan that is more “sensible, humane and environ- mentally sensitive,” according to the petition. The details TxDOT’s initial plan includes these objectives: • Widen the main lanes from four to six lanes • Add a shared-use path on each side of the road • Add a frontage road consisting of two to five lanes • Divide east and westbound lanes • Eliminate stop lights What’s next Residents are urging TxDOT to hold another community meeting regarding the project in early May. An official date has not been announced.
Austin officials crack down on parking in bike lanes Austin officials have moved to enact a citywide ban on parking in dedicated bike lanes and other bikeways, and to ramp up enforcement of vehicles that block the path of cyclists.
An April 4 resolution calls to:
End parking in most bike lanes and bikeways across Austin
What’s next Updates to city code that would ban bike lane parking could be finalized by the end of October. Once in place, a six-month grace period would allow the city to roll out a public education and outreach campaign before any Austinites are cited. Additionally, first-time violators could have their tickets waived by completing a training program in the future.
Place new signage, markings or barriers to inform drivers of the change Expand the Transportation Mobility Service Officer e-bike fleet to tackle enforcement
City Council members said they’re addressing concerns about injuries and deaths as a result of vehicles regularly sitting in bike lanes, and responding to new civic mobility plans that call to prohibit parking in those routes.
Create a volunteer program allowing residents to cite violators
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Keeping It Local Since 1996 Flooring & Remodeling
71
ESCARPMENT BLVD.
512-892-4402 | www.convicthillfloorcovering.com
21
SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook