Tag Archives: Transportation and Public Works Department
Changes to the city’s Corridor Program raise ‘serious transparency concerns’ for transportation commissioners
A massive shortfall in the city’s Corridor Program has caused work to be paused or cut back in some areas of the city. At their most recent meeting, Urban Transportation commissioners questioned the lack of public engagement on the changes.…
Roads • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 10, 2024
New federal cash paves way for East Austin’s ‘wishbone’ bridge over Lady Bird Lake
Facing a steep climb in costs for a long-planned pedestrian bridge on the eastern edge of Austin’s most popular trail, the city has finally found a path forward with a $4 million cash infusion from the federal government. The new money will…
Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Apr 10, 2024
New scooter rules are in effect now
As of this month, new regulations dictate how scooters operate in Austin. “I think it might be one of the biggest complaints we get in the office,” said Council Member Zo Qadri, who represents downtown. “For me, it’s not as…
Transportation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 2, 2024
Urban Transportation Commission learns of roles in mobility restructuring
The city’s many mobility-related offices and departments were recently restructured, and the Urban Transportation Commission got an update earlier this month about how the change is expected to impact the many road projects planned across the area. Jim Dale, interim…
Roads • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 27, 2024
Downtown Commission members suggest city pursue legal action against Union Pacific Railroad
Members of the Downtown Commission showed support for the city possibly using legal action including eminent domain against Union Pacific Railroad to acquire property eyed for improvements near the Seaholm District. This month’s meeting included a presentation on the improvements…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 31, 2024
Council to contemplate new bike parking rules this Thursday
Changes to the city’s bicycle parking requirements are headed back to City Council on Thursday with the blessing of the Planning Commission. Commissioners were updated on the code amendments at their most recent meeting. The recent elimination of parking requirements…
Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 30, 2024
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Council greenlights update to urban trails, sidewalks and bikes plan with last-minute amendments
As the city prepares for a decade of unprecedented public transportation and highway infrastructure projects, Austin’s Transportation Department is making moves to spread the love to those choosing to walk, bike or roll. Since early last year, staff has been…
Transportation • By Kali Bramble • Dec 5, 2023
Downtown Commission explores ways to improve safety of autonomous vehicles on city streets
Despite the Cruise autonomous vehicle company’s recent decision to pause service in all cities, including Austin, members of the Downtown Commission have concerns about the growing presence of the vehicles and the city’s inability to regulate them. Staff from the…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 27, 2023
Barton Springs bridge gets new rules
As of this week, heavy vehicles traveling eastbound across the Barton Springs Road Bridge will be required to stay in the far right lane in an effort to extend the life of the bridge. The decision to limit options for…
Roads • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 27, 2023
Commission looks into how Austin creates street crossings
There’s a simple explanation for why Austinites may have noticed more signaled crosswalks in recent years: There are more. A recent discussion on the state of pedestrian hybrid beacons in the city caught up Urban Transportation Commission members on the…
Transportation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 12, 2023
Austin grapples with arrival of autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are in Austin. According to a Sept. 1 memo from the Transportation and Public Works Department, the presence of autonomous vehicles has become an increasingly common sight over the past few months. “Currently, there are approximately 125 fully…
Transportation • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 6, 2023
Disability commission pushes city to pick up pace of sidewalk improvements
Improved access to public transit and bike-share programs – possibly including free service for all residents – is among the policy moves the Transportation and Public Works Department intends to ask City Council to consider later this year. During a…
