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Central Austin I-35 Expansion Plans Near Completion
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently released its much anticipated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Central I-35 Capital Express project, a critical last step in the planning process before condemnation proceedings begin.
The 7,000-page document reveals TxDOT’s preferred alignment for the multi-billion expansion, along with unprecedented details about what widening the 8-mile stretch of interstate between U.S. 290 East and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard would entail. Those details include:
- Adding two new non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes running north and south.
- Lowering lanes between Airport Boulevard and Lady Bird Lake, as well as between Riverside Drive and Oltorf Street.
- Removing the upper decks north of downtown.
- Widening cross-street bridges through the downtown segment to increase bicycle and pedestrian mobility.
Known as “Modified-Build Alternative 3,” the new preferred plan would impact 42 fewer acres than the alternative alignment but would still require the demolition of 107 homes and businesses along I-35. Other impacted properties will lose critical land used for parking and other purposes.
Condemnation proceedings likely to begin this year
Although the public can comment on the latest plan until March 7, TxDOT’s plans are unlikely to change much before the state moves forward. Owners of the properties identified as impacted under the most recent alignment are likely to be contacted by this summer. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
If your property is impacted, BACO can help
If your property is impacted by the Capital Express project, there are steps you can take now to increase your chances of fair compensation from the state. Please contact our office to speak with an experienced eminent domain attorney regarding the project and the potential impact on your property.
Resources:
TxDOT Environmental Impact Statement
Information about Public Hearing
KUT Article – “TxDOT narrows options for widening I-35 through Austin”