TxDOT to break ground, amid protest, on 35 expansion

TxDOT will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its I-35 Capital Express Central Project on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and those opposed to the road’s expansion through Austin’s downtown will be on hand to protest its official launch. Rethink35 has filed a lawsuit with 14 community partners against the project, saying it violates the National Environmental Policy Act and expects to see it play out in court in the coming months. The group has also filed a civil rights complaint against TxDOT. “TxDOT’s proposed I-35 expansion will waste billions of dollars to commit grievous harm to our city and region,” says Rethink35 Board Member Miriam Schoenfield in a statement to the press. “Despite overwhelming opposition from residents, elected leaders, and candidates for local office (81% of which oppose the expansion), TxDOT intends to steamroll over our community for a project that will destroy homes, businesses, and parks and worsen congestion, pollution, safety, and quality of life for generations to come.” The protest will begin at 1:30 p.m., with the groundbreaking scheduled to start at 2 p.m.