Recommended Build Alternative
Two Express Lanes with Elevated Lanes Near Barton Skyway
The Environmental Study has identified the 2C Operational Configuration Option, Two Express Lanes with Elevated Ramps Near Barton Skyway, as the Recommended Build Alternative.
The 2C Configuration includes one express lane from Cesar Chavez to Barton Skyway, two express lanes from Barton Skyway to Convict Hill Road, and one express lane from Convict Hill Road to Slaughter Lane.
Analysis of the six Operational Configuration Options using the evaluation criteria vetted by the public helped inform the decision, along with other public input received. The 2C configuration:
- Delivers the most improvement in operational efficiencies and hours of delay saved
- Does not include elevation over Lady Bird Lake and uses no additional right-of-way, priorities shared by the public
- The wishbone ramps reduce weaving, improving operations and safety, and allow for multiple downtown exit options
- Has fewer impacts than options 1A, 2A, and 3
The 2C Configuration will continue to be optimized through public comments received, and will be evaluated against the No Build, or "do nothing," alternative in the Environmental Assessment.
WHAT CONFIGURATIONS WERE EVALUATED?
Six Operational Configuration Options of the Express Lane(s) Alternative were evaluated:
- 1A: One Express Lane with Downtown Direct Connection
- 1B: One Express Lane without Downtown Direct Connection
- 2A: Two Express Lanes with Downtown Direct Connections
- 2B: Two Express Lanes without Downtown Direct Connections
- 2C: Two Express Lanes with Elevated Ramps near Barton Skyway
- 3: City of Austin Proposal
Learn more about each configuration in the in the archived materials shared at Open House #4 in 2015, Open House #5 in 2021-2022, and Open House #6 in 2024-2025.
Why not the other configurations?
1A and 2A:
- Public preferred no elevated lanes over Lady Bird Lake
- Public had concerns about connectivity of a direct connector on Cesar Chavez near Austin High School
1B and 2B:
- Operational efficiency and safety are reduced due to merging near downtown
3:
- Collector distributors require wider bridges and additional right-of-way through Zilker Park
- Public preferred less right-of-way