The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority formally adopted a high-tech tolling policy on Tuesday after a discussion that revealed not all were fully up to speed on the MoPac Improvement Project. At its monthly meeting, the CTRMA board of directors voted unanimously to amend its policy code to include language that provides for variable tolling […]
CTRMA
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. A governmental agency created, according to its web site, in 2002 to “improve the transportation system in Williamson and Travis counties.” The site also notes that the agency’s “mission is to implement innovative, multi-modal transportation solutions that reduce congestion and create transportation choices that enhance quality of life and economic vitality.” In addition to other responsibilities, the agency oversees a set of toll roads in the region.
Posted inRoads
East Austin superhighway breaks ground
Scores of people gathered on the northern banks of the Colorado River in East Austin on Wednesday morning to watch the ceremonial birth of a massive new roadway expansion effort. Through the distant white noise of fast-moving traffic zipping along on three overhead bridges, the crowd heard Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority officials lavish praise […]
Posted inRoads
Massive road expansion bears down on Austin’s east side
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will officially turn the dirt next week on one of the largest locally financed infrastructure projects in the region’s history. Unlike other CTRMA projects – including the MoPac Improvement Project, MoPac South and State Highway 45 Southwest – the 183 South Project has largely progressed with little public controversy. […]
Posted inRoads
CAMPO board approves sizable cost increase for 183
The cost of a large expansion of U.S. Highway 183 in Northwest Austin officially nearly tripled on Monday night. At its monthly meeting, the Transportation Policy Board of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization voted to amend its long-range plan to increase the price of the 183 North Mobility Project from $225.7 million to $650 […]
Posted inTravis County
Travis County courts controversy with CTRMA appointment
Sparks flew at Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday over the reappointment of Charles Heimsath to serve on the board that supervises regional toll road projects. The 3-2 decision poured cold water on a late-hour effort that bubbled up last week to sink Heimsath’s quest for a new term at the Central Texas Regional Mobility […]
Posted inAustin
Group calls for shake-up at CTRMA
An unlikely coalition of activist groups is calling on the Travis County Commissioners Court to shake up the board of directors at the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. On Wednesday afternoon, attorney Fred Lewis led the group’s debut press conference in downtown Austin urging the court to turn down CTRMA Board Member Charles Heimsath’s application […]
Posted inTransportation
County takes aim at CTRMA leadership
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, who kicked off the new year in part by calling for a change of priorities at the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, will soon get a shot at shaking up the leadership at the agency. During a work session scheduled for next week, the Commissioners Court will interview three applicants […]
Posted inTravis County
Eckhardt issues public challenge on transit, affordability, justice reform
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt on Monday challenged the public to get involved and help achieve a broad set of policy goals in 2016. In her first press conference of the year, Eckhardt stood before a line of cameras and reporters and laid out a tripartite agenda that focused on transit, economic prosperity and a […]
Posted inTransportation
CTRMA issues notice of default on MoPac project
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority issued a notice of default Thursday to CH2M Hill – the contractor that has been working on the MoPac Improvement Project – over delays that have caused work to continue far beyond the $200 million project’s original September completion date. “This is part of our contractual discussions and construction […]
Posted inTransportation
MoPac South public comment results pour in
Comments from the MoPac South public input period and open house are being tallied, and based on their projected volume, the proposal appears to have galvanized the community. The City Council Mobility Committee discussed the project and preliminary results on Monday with its sponsor – the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority – and public speakers. […]
Posted inRoads
Austinites sound off on MoPac South
Austin-area elected officials, advocates and community members gathered at Austin High School on Monday for a forum on the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s proposed MoPac South tolled expansion. The event revealed a general dissatisfaction and frustration with the available options. “The best of these proposals don’t provide a direct benefit to Austin High or […]
Posted inTransportation
CTRMA announces MoPac project delay, again
Mike Heiligenstein, the executive director for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, told board members Wednesday that the MoPac Improvement Project is expected to be fully operational sometime in the second half of 2016, a far cry from its originally stated Sept. 17, 2015, completion date. Lead contractor CH2M Hill is responsible for the design and construction […]