I-35 Major Overhaul on the Horizon

The Texas Transportation Commission has announced plans to add an additional $4.3 billion to the I-35 Capital Express Project. The project aims to build new lanes on I-35 through Austin.

The funding would be in addition to money already approved, bringing the total investment on the project to $7.5 billion.

The I-35 Capital Express Central project proposes to add two non-tolled managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The expansion would bring some much needed relief for the 220,000 vehicles that traverse the I-35 corridor on a daily basis.

The Urban land institute (ULI) has been working hand in hand with the City of Austin on the project. The ULI panel set three community objectives to go along with the project:

1. Enhance multi-modal access bringing people into the urban core
2. Meaningfully address the affordability impacts and create equitable development
3. Cultivate a community vision that represents diverse voices

The panel is part of a larger movement to "connect" east and central Austin. While historically rental rates have been lower on the east side, the gap will continue to compress with the completion of the Capital Express Project and increasing institutional investment into east Austin.

Be on the lookout for future updates as construction is slated to start as soon as 2025.