Plans for expanding MoPac to the south

[longhorn]

Because this is Austin, it will probably never  happen (NIMBYs to the tenth power) but its an interesting plan. Reminds of the HOV lane in Houston that goes from I-10 to downtown.

http://ftpcontent3.worldnow.com/ktbc/PDF%20Files/Select_MoPacSouth_Exhibits.pdf

News article about it

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/28329896/a-double-deck-and-more-tolls-could-be-in-the-works-for-mopac-expressway

[MaxConcrete]

Official project web site,which includes schematics
http://www.mopacsouth.com/

I think this project will proceed to construction. The reasons are because it is tolled (officials never skip an opportunity to charge more tolls), there is an urgent need for more capacity, and the planned SH 45 toll road is going to connect to the south end of MoPac, dumping more traffic on the road.

I expect the main source of protest to be the upper elevated structure through Zilker park. If the the project is blocked, that will be the reason.
 
 

[DeaconG]

Looks like Austin is trying to create a toll beltway around the city (along with SH 130) a la Orlando. My sympathies...

[codyg1985]

Just to think, most of these could have been non-tolled if the NIMBYs would not have blocked construction several decades ago.