This fall TxDOT will begin work on a very large and ambitious project right in the heart of Austin, TX. TxDOT official plan is called the "Capital Express Central Project" which aims to provide more throughput through downtown Austin and ease congestion by adding more lanes between US 290 East and and Ben White Boulevard with a 4.5 billion dollar price tag. The City of Austin is planning to take advantage of this project and reconnect east and west Austin with a Cap and Stitch, which is quickly approaching 1 million dollars.
What is a cap and stitch?
Caps are a large deck installed over a stretch of highway which can be outfitted with greenery and buildings. A stitch is a widened bridge with landscaping for bikes and pedestrians.
For years, the general sentiment is I-35 has essentially bifurcated downtown Austin and decreased the connectivity between east and west Austin.
The goal of the plan is to create more public spaces and create a literal bridge to rejoin the east and west sides of downtown. The ambitious project could create up to 30 acres of open space and parks. As many as 130 businesses will have to shut down and relocate. Below is the latest rendering from TxDOT.
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a good move by the City of Austin or a waste of taxpayers dollars?
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