IH-35 Resources

TxDOT continues to push changes to IH-35, and a number of groups have provided feedback or alternative visions. Here are some helpful links and resources:

  1. Previous FAN discussion leading to a resolution on IH-35.
  2. FAN’s 2016 position on IH-35 and letter to TxDOT.
  3. Latest TxDOT proposal(s).
  4. ReconnectAustin alternative vision.
  5. Rethink35 alternative vision.
  6. Our Future 35 initiative and engagement series.
  7. @mdahmus’s “adult plan for I-35”.
  8. Pedestrian Advisory Council (PAC) IH-35 recomendations.
  9. Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) IH-35 recommendations.

Posting and sponsoring a resolution here on I-35 expansion, originally authored by @Chris_Riley and passed by the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA). DANA sent this letter to TxDOT.

Friends of Austin Neighborhoods (FAN) opposes the current TxDOT plan for expanding I-35 through central Austin.

We urge the Commission to give meaningful consideration to the community-proposed alternatives presented at Rethink35.com and ReconnectAustin.com. Either of these alternatives would be far better for Downtown Austin, and for the planet, than the expansion TxDOT is proposing. Please evaluate these alternatives fully alongside the TxDOT proposals in regard to all relevant impacts, including air quality, noise, safety, vehicle miles traveled, climate change, and tax base.

Additionally:

  • The highway’s footprint should be no higher and no wider than it is today, and should be narrowed to the greatest extent possible to reduce the barrier it creates and to shorten crossing distances, particularly for those traveling via active transportation modes.
  • The I-35 corridor should be supportive of all transportation modes, with careful attention paid to active transportation. The bikeways and sidewalks along and across I-35 should be comfortable, safe, continuous, fully connected to Austin’s active transportation networks, and protected from traffic by a buffer of at least 20 feet.
  • The surface level of I-35 should include as many crossings, for all modes of travel, as possible.
  • Any surface level frontage roads should be designed to city standards and function as city streets, and should significantly improve safety for vulnerable road users.
  • Street trees should be provided between the roadway and the active transportation paths.
  • This project should bring improved access and usability to all parks and trails directly impacted, including Palm Park, Town Lake Metropolitan Park, Waller Beach, and the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Given that Austin is about to embark on the much-needed construction of the Project Connect transit system, we encourage the Commission to consider shelving the plans to overhaul I-35 until the new transit system is in place. This system would provide convenient access to downtown for many during the construction of any changes to I-35.

Thank you for your consideration of our input. We look forward to continuing involvement during future discussions about this project.

It should be noted that the City of Austin and TxDOT both support the third community alternative, the DAA/ULI proposal. https://my35capex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Alternatives-Analysis.pdf p. 14 and City of Austin & I-35 Capital Express projects | AustinTexas.gov

I find all of the proposals, community and TxDOT, lacking, because they do nothing about the overall amount of traffic in the corridor. Limiting traffic on I-35 just means it will spill over onto local roads and other highways. That’s already happening. Per Google Traffic, if you want to go from Round Rock city hall to Austin city hall, it’s equally fast to go on MOPAC as to go on I-35. Why is it an improvement to have traffic on on MOPAC instead of I-35?