Traffic headaches to get worse before they get better

The city’s Capital Delivery Services Division is getting ready to start two major construction projects that are designed to make it easier to get around in South Austin and Southeast Austin. But there will be considerable disruption of traffic while they work on the two projects. The first project is construction of the new wishbone bridge at Longhorn Dam.

Beginning on July 1, users of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail in East Austin will notice fencing being installed around Longhorn Shores, Canterbury Park and Krieg Fields.

The public will continue to have full access to Krieg Fields, but Longhorn Shores and the tunnel under Pleasant Valley Road will be closed to the public. Road closures are slated to begin on July 8, with the elimination of eastbound traffic on Canterbury Road. Westbound traffic will continue one-way. In addition, access to Canterbury Park and its parking lot will be closed to the public as will access to the unnamed peninsula beginning near Holly Street.

Hikers along the Butler Trail will be rerouted northbound along the east side of Pleasant Valley Road. The detour will continue along Canterbury Street and then continue southbound down Pedernales and Holly streets, according to Capital Delivery Services. They anticipate these changes will be in effect for 18 months.

Many more drivers will notice changes to South Lamar Boulevard, which will begin on July 7. Although the roadway has been narrowed near new building construction, the city plans three phases of construction along the street, beginning with the portion between West Oltorf and West Mary streets. The second phase will be between West Mary and Treadwell street, with the final phase being the longest – between Treadwell and Barton Springs Road.

According to the city, construction is expected to last one to two months per phase, so that could mean a total of six months of disruption along South Lamar. Construction will likely take place on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Bus riders and pedestrians should note that bike lanes and pedestrian access will be limited during construction. Some bus stops may be closed temporarily or relocated. In addition, according to the city, “some business driveways along the construction route may be limited.”

That said, increased use of South First Street seems likely.

Photo by Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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