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Austin Mobility News: Oct. 23, 2017
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In this edition:

Public hearing Thursday on 2016 Mobility Bond-related projects on RMs 620 and 2222
Illustration of improvements at RM 620 and RM 2222.
Click the image for a TxDOT fact sheet about the projects at RM 620 and RM 2222.

Last November, Austin voters approved the 2016 Mobility Bond, which included $7.5 million for design and construction of improvements at the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222. TxDOT is managing this project as part of a set of proposed improvements to 620 and 2222 that the agency anticipates will be ready for construction in fall 2018.

TxDOT is holding a public hearing on Thursday to present project information and gather public input on the proposed improvements. The hearing will begin with an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. During this time, the public will be able to review available project information and exhibits, discuss the project with staff, and ask questions. The formal presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a public comment period. 

Environmental Public Hearing
Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Vandergrift High School

The proposed improvements include adding an outside northbound merge lane along RM 620 from Steiner Ranch Road, to a new bypass road to be constructed about a mile north of Steiner Ranch Road to RM 2222. Center turn lanes and medians would also be built on RM 2222 between the new bypass road and RM 620. Learn more on the TxDOT project website.


Be heard! Opportunities to comment on 2016 Mobility Bond projects
"Austin in Motion" 2016 Mobility Bond logo with City of Austin seal.
The City of Austin is hosting public open houses and taking feedback on 2016 Mobility Bond projects in the coming weeks. Now is the time to get involved! Let us know how you'd like to see these major mobility projects implemented in Austin.
 
Slaughter Lane, William Cannon Drive and Brodie Lane

The City of Austin is developing Corridor Mobility Plans for Slaughter Lane and William Cannon Drive, and a Preliminary Engineering Report for Brodie Lane. Since spring, the project team has been developing draft recommendations for mobility improvements and, in November, the City will be seeking public feedback on those recommendations. Stop by one of these open houses any time between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. to provide feedback: 
  • Nov. 1 at Williams Elementary School (500 Mairo Street)
  • Nov. 2 at Hampton Branch at Oak Hill Library (5125 Convict Hill Road)
Learn more about these corridors at the project website. Recommended improvements on Slaughter Lane and William Cannon Drive will be considered for design and construction as part of the 2016 Mobility Bond Corridor Construction Program.

Spicewood Springs Road

The 2016 Mobility Bond includes $17 million for preliminary engineering, design and construction of improvements along Spicewood Springs Road, between Mesa Drive and Loop 360. Staff kicked off the preliminary engineering effort in spring 2017 and held the first public meeting about this project in September. Missed it? You can view the presentation and comment on existing conditions through Oct. 31 at the Spicewood Springs Road project website!

Stay in the loop

Sign up for the 2016 Mobility Bond newsletter for updates and input opportunities.


Campaign brings historical context to Austin Strategic Mobility Plan
Graphic with timeline highlighting the year 1839. Says "Getting Here: 100 Historical Moments in Austin Transportation. Check out our daily post" followed by Facebook and Twitter logos and image of the first "Plan of the City of Austin" street grid layout.

Sparked by necessity and innovation throughout the years, the City of Austin has been a hub of transportation-related progress since the initial street grid system was laid out in 1839. When it comes to an issue as vital as transportation, recognizing past accomplishments and challenges will help us to shape the future.

From the first mass transit system in Austin, in the form of mule-drawn carriages, to the passage of the 2016 Mobility Bond, things have changed a lot when it comes to how we get around and the implications of transportation on our lives. As the first Moonlight Towers, lighting the streets of Austin since 1895, aided past Austinites navigating in the darkness of night, knowing our transportation history will only light our way as we develop the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP), the update to the City’s transportation plan.

With assistance from the Austin History Center, among other sources, ATD has created “Getting Here: 100 Historical Moments in Austin Transportation,” a campaign to showcase the transportation-related actions and events of our past that have helped get us to where we are today. The timing of the campaign will act as a countdown to the next phase of the ASMP in early 2018, during which there will be tons of opportunities for the public to weigh in and get involved. The ASMP will impact all modes of transportation and shape how we invest in mobility going forward.

One Historical Moment will be posted daily, beginning today. To follow along with the campaign, check out ATD on social media (Twitter and Facebook). Starting Nov. 1, you'll also be able to find a link to all the previously-published moments at AustinTexas.gov/ASMP. For other historical topics and events, check out the Austin History Center website. 


Get to the New Central Library grand opening sustainably!
Black and white photo of New Centrail Library with blue, orange and yellow stripes in the background.

The New Central Library grand opening is this Saturday at 10 a.m. and we want to help spread the word about the many sustainable ways to get there.

Check out this sustainable transportation flyer, created by library staff and featuring tips on transit, cycling, bike-share, car-share, carpool, transportation network companies, taxicabs, pedicabs, electric low-speed vehicles and parking.

The New Central Library is located at 710 W. César Chávez Street. Festivities will include live music and fun for the kids until dusk. View the Austin Public Library event page for the grand opening schedule and more information.


Proceed with caution: A guide to pedestrian hybrid beacons
How to use a pedestrian hybrid beacon. When driving: blank signal face means proceed with caution; yellow flashing signal face means slow down, someone activated the signal with the push button; solid yellow signal face means prepare to stop; solid red signal face means stop, someone is crossing; flashing red signal face means stop, then proceed with caution; return to blank signal face means proceed with caution. When crossing the street: red hand means push button to cross; continued red hand means wait; further continued red hand means keep waiting; white pedestrian silhouette means start crossing; flashing red hand with countdown means finish crossing, do not start crossing during countdown; return to red hand means push button to cross.
If you're an Austinite, chances are you've used a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) to cross the street or interacted with one as a driver or cyclist. PHBs are button-activated signals that allow pedestrians to safely cross busy roadways where there is no traffic signal nearby.

The City continues to construct PHBs to increase pedestrian safety and mobility as we work toward our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. You can do your part by testing your know-how against the guide above, passing it on to friends and family, or sharing it on social media. Knowledge can save lives!


Check it out: Air Quality Program lamppost banners are up!
Staff installing banners on Riverside Drive. Pedestrians and cyclist in the background.
City of Austin staff install lamppost banners on Riverside Drive.
Look up! New lamppost banners sponsored by the ATD Air Quality Program are now on display in multiple locations around the City. The banners are a reminder of actions everyone can take to support clean air in Central Texas. Messages include: “Limit Idling,” “Drive Less,” “Drive Clean” and “Conserve." Be sure to check them out!
 
The Air Quality Program's goal is to promote healthy outdoor air for all residents while also reducing traffic congestion. Addressing the impact of City operations and actions on air quality and traffic congestion with outreach, policy and educational resources provides Austin residents with a better quality of life. Driving less, carpooling and reducing vehicle idling help improve Austin's air quality.
 
For more information on street banners, please go to atxbanners.org.

 


Movability Austin Logo  
Want more mobility news? Visit Movability Austin! 

 
Austin Mobility is the City's effort for a fresh approach to looking at walking, biking, transit and driving to solve the transportation puzzle for all of us. We are taking proactive steps to engage and educate the community, which is why you received this news update. 
Contact Information:
512-974-1430
AustinMobility@AustinTexas.gov

City of Austin Transportation Department
901 S. MoPac Expressway
Building 5, Suite 300
Austin, TX 78746

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