For the most recent reactions and comments from Cherrywood residents, join the neighborhood groups.io listserv.
Introduction
The I-35 Capital Express Program proposes mobility and safety improvements along 28 miles of I-35 through Austin, from SH 45 North to SH 45 Southeast. It is made up of three, stand-alone projects — North, Central and South. The I-35 Capital Express Program is part of the TxDOT Austin District’s Mobility35 Program, which is composed of improvements to 79 miles of I-35 through Travis, Hays and Williamson counties. The I-35 Capital Express Central project is located in the central region of the Austin metropolitan area for a distance of approximately 8 miles along I-35 between US 290 East and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The proposed improvements include removing the existing I-35 decks, lowering the roadway, and adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The project will also reconstruct east-west cross-street bridges, add pedestrian and bicycle paths, and make additional safety and mobility improvements within the project limits.
Our Future 35
Our Future 35 is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor in Central Austin and connect East and West Austin.
Because the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard, the City of Austin has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to construct “caps” and “stitches” over the highway, reconnecting the two sides of I-35 and creating new public space.
Combined, these opportunities could create up to 30 acres of new public space in the middle of Central Austin. For more information on Our Future 35, please visit the City of Austin’s website here
North-Central Deck
In June, 2022, the CNA approved an initial draft document outlining principles for an I-35 North-Central Deck. The following document have been drafted by the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association (CNA) along with several neighborhood associations in the North-Central section of the I-35 project.
Principles for I-35 North-Central Deck
Illustrative Example of I-35 North-Central Deck
As part of Our Future 35, the caps between 38th 1/2 Street and Airport Boulevard (~13 acres) are located between the Cherrywood Neighborhood and the Hancock Neighborhood. These caps have substantial opportunity to be integrated into the area’s redevelopment if and when a CapMetro Rail station is added to the Red Line and if and when the Delwood Shopping Center and Hancock Center redevelop. These caps can become a community hub and destination for visitors and residents alike. For more information click the link below:
CNA
In December 2020, the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association (CNA) collected feedback on the project from neighbors via flyers and from THIS survey. The results of the survey were summarized in a letter and sent to key leadership reflecting the neighborhood’s position on December 30, 2020. A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
In April 2021, the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association (CNA) submitted a second letter and to key leadership reiterating the neighborhood’s position and desired design principles and opportunities. A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
On September 24, 2021, the CNA submitted a third response to the TxDOT CapEx Project Virtual Public Scoping phase of engagement, reiterating the neighborhoods’ enthusiasm about TxDOT’s commitment to removing the upper decks while also calling out some of the deficiencies in TxDOT’s process and current design alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3) for the CapEx Project. A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
In February 2022, the CNA submitted a fourth letter at the closing of TxDOT’s formal engagement process. The letter highlighted the deficiencies in TxDOT’s Modified Alternative 3 and called upon the City of Austin to continue its negotiation with TxDOT for additional improvements. Proposed enhancements include several design refinements focused on extending the boulevard frontage road approach, expanded stitches or full caps, active use of remaining land, and several other elements. A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
In February 2023, the CNA submitted a fifth letter regarding the I-35 Capital Express Preferred Alternative. This was drafted in response to the DEIS phase and as a way to educate and encourage our residents to participate. These comments will be restated and submitted as part of the DEIS process. A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
In July 2023, Councilmember Qadri’s office contacted the CNA to seek feedback on a graphic showing new design ideas drafted by TxDOT for ‘Northern Cap Iterations’ (dated April 2023) between Airport Blvd. and E. 32nd St. On July 18, 2023, the CNA Steering Committee held a special meeting to review and approve this letter regarding the ‘Northern Cap Iterations’. We will share and invite further feedback at the next CNA General Meeting on August 16, 2023 . A copy of the letter can be downloaded HERE.
Resources
Through 2020 and 2021, TxDOT solicited public feedback through the I-35 Capital Express Central project public scoping meeting hosted virtually November 12, 2020 to December 21, 2020. The purpose of the virtual public scoping meeting was to provide the opportunity for the public to review and comment on the draft coordination plan and schedule, draft project purpose and need, and draft range of alternatives. A second scoping feedback period was launched on August 10, 2021 through Wed, September 8, 2021. The purpose of the second scoping period was to share schematics of the design alternatives being considered by TxDoT and invite the public to comment.
Reconnect Austin is a grassroots campaign to bury I-35 through the urban core of Austin (Lady Bird Lake to Airport Blvd.) and repurpose the corridor as public space and developable land. Reconnect Austin’s vision is to create a new, “humanized” boulevard, reconnecting central neighborhoods to Downtown, State Capitol Complex, and UT Austin, all while aiming to mitigate air and water pollution, and provide an economic boost in the form of new, centrally-located housing and businesses.
Rethink35 is a grassroots movement fighting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) proposed I-35 expansion through Austin. Rethink35 is pushing to reroute non-local traffic around town, and replace the highway with an urban boulevard that includes affordable housing and local businesses, wide sidewalks, bus lanes, and protected bike lanes.
The Congress of New Urbanism has published "Freeways without Futures 2021," highlighting I-35 through Austin as one highway prime for transformation. The report "tells the story of some of the worst highways in America; the ones that have left a terrible legacy and incredible hurdles for the people who live around them. But it also highlights the resilience of neighborhood residents, local government officials, and activists fighting to remove these blighting highways and reconnect their communities." "Freeways without Futures" also highlights the work of Reconnect Austin, which envisions an entirely new profile for I-35.
Last Updated: February 25, 2023