CATC Mobility Headlines

TXDOT is hosting an open house and present plans for safety improvements on SH 71 in western Travis County tonight from 5:00 - 8:00 PM tonight.

TXDOT representatives will be available to answer questions regarding current safety and highway plans. All citizens are invited to attend and share their comments regarding the proposed projects on Hwy 71.

Location:Bee Cave Elementary @ 14300 Hamilton Pool Road in Austin

TXDOT Austin District Public Hearing Schedule  

Sen. Kirk Watson has proposed improvements for a dangerous segment of SH 71 using a newly-created “safety fund.” Watson wants to establish a long-term safety fund which would initially set aside $30 million of the $65 million from TXDOT’s allocation for toll road projects on SH 71 and US 290, and get matching funds from local governments. Eventually the fund could be sustained by toll revenues via the CTRMA. The plan will require approval by the CAMPO Board.

TXDOT has already implemented short-term improvements, including adding water-absorbent pavement and roughening the pavement. In addition, the Texas Transportation Commission reduced speed in the area from 65 to 60 mph.

TXDOT hopes to get environmental approval for the $850,000 barrier project by Jul 1 and have them in place by the end of the year or early 2009. A public hearing for environmental approval is scheduled for Apr 24.

Plan pitches barriers for dangerous part of 71 - Austin American-Statesman 

TXDOT has announced short- and long-term safety improvements for the segment of SH 71 in the wake of several deadly traffic accidents. Within 30-to6- days, TXDOT expects to:

• Roughen road surfaces where wet weather-related accidents have occurred
• Restripe SH 71 from US 290 to FM 2322
• Conduct a traffic speed study for the entire SH 71 corridor and reduce speed limits in some sections
• Install warning signs and flashing beacons

Long-term improvements include:

• Building continuous left turn lanes and add shoulders from FM 2322 to R.O. Drive
• Add a left turn lane and shoulders to the rest of the SH 71 corridor

TXDOT improving SH 17 following several fatalities - Austin Business Journal