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January 5 2020
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Vol. V • No. 1
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TxDOT Continues Work to Improve Safety Along MoPac By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
In Austin, Texas, work continues on a $53.5 million project that will enhance safety for motorists, decrease wait times at intersections and reduce overall travel time. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is constructing improvements along Loop 1 (MoPac) near the Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue intersections. “Southwest Austin continues to grow, and that means more vehicles on the roadways,” said TxDOT spokesman Bradley Wheelis. “Last year, there were more than 45,000 vehicles traveling on MoPac at Slaughter every day. The new mainlanes will allow motorists on MoPac to avoid traffic signals at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue, keeping traffic flowing on MoPac.” The section of MoPac from Slaughter Lane to La Crosse Avenue in southwest Austin was originally constructed in the early 1990s. Traffic congestion at these intersections has increased dramatically over the past quarter-century, creating operational problems and causing travel delays. Morning and evening rush-hour commuters frequently must wait through several traffic signal cycles in order to make left turns. “Both Slaughter Lane and La
A total of 750,000 cu. yds. of excavation and 38,000 cu. yds. of embankment will be moved during construction.
Crosse Avenue intersected with Mopac, but experienced heavy traffic at the intersections during peak travel times,” said Wheelis. “Once construction is completed, Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue will act as bridges over the MoPac mainlanes.” Construction began in January 2018 and is expected to be completed in early 2021. Webber LLC serves as the contractor for the project, which is being funded by
“The new mainlanes will allow motorists on MoPac to avoid traffic signals at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue, keeping traffic flowing on MoPac.” Bradley Wheelis TxDOT
TxDOT. The work is being carried out in phases. The first phase included clearing the right-of-way and constructing temporary pavement for traffic detours, as well as beginning construction of the new mainlanes and ramps, widening the Slaughter Lane intersection and constructing the bridge and building detention ponds and the drainage system. Phase two involves the continued construction of new mainlanes and ramps, construction of the La Crosse Avenue bridge and completing the Slaughter Lane diverging diamond intersection (DDI) and opening it to traffic. The final phase includes completing ramp construction and drainage components, finishing the La Crosse Avenue intersection and opening it to traffic and performing final paving operations for the entire project. Wheelis acknowledged that the work is having an impact on motorists, but said every effort has been made to ease any inconveniences. “Construction can be tough on everyone. Steps are taken to minimize the amount of work, and the number of lane closures during peak hours, with as much work as possible being done at night. Lane closure information is made available to the public to keep drivers updated on what to expect and see MOPAC page 18
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