About the MoPac Intersections Environmental Study
At the same time the MoPac South study is underway, a separate study was conducted to evaluate potential mobility improvements at MoPac's intersections with Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue.
THE PROBLEM
The MoPac Expressway intersections at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue in southwest Austin were originally constructed in 1992 and have grown increasingly congested over the years. Traffic congestion at these intersections is causing travel delays and adversely affecting access and mobility.
IDENTIFYING A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) worked with local partners to study mobility and safety improvements on MoPac at the intersections of Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue. As indicated in the recently environmentally approved Environmental Assessment, the MoPac mainlanes will extend through both intersections by going under both Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue.
The study team worked with the community to refine the proposed solution to improve mobility, safety and connectivity while being sensitive to public and environmental concerns. The proposed improvements take into account the needs of:
- Drivers
- Transit riders
- Bicyclists and pedestrians
- Surrounding businesses
- Neighborhoods
- Environment
THE PROCESS
The Mobility Authority and TxDOT initiated an environmental study to analyze the two intersections and determine the best options for improving mobility and safety. Over the course of the study, analysis of the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed improvements was conducted.
The Draft Environmental Assessment was released on June 30, 2015. On December 22, 2015, TxDOT issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed MoPac intersections project, which allows the project to move forward. TxDOT will design and construct the project and maintain the facilities.
It is anticipated that construction will begin in early 2018.