AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) has been looking to make improvements on MoPac Expressway South from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane to try to improve traffic. It is looking to add up to four express toll lanes.
Meanwhile, Austin City Council has passed a resolution over its concerns with the project.
“[The resolution] tells the city manager to work with the CTRMA on the MoPac South Project. When you see state money being spent on projects that affect the local community, we want to make sure we are holding the highest standard possible,” said Council Member Paige Ellis.
Ellis said she has some environmental concerns.
“The environment is protected for species like the golden cheeked warbler and salamanders, so we want to make we are sure limiting impervious cover,” said Ellis.
The CTRMA said its environmental study evaluates potential harms and mitigations to things like water quality and endangered species. The CTRMA added it has “worked extensively with the city of Austin throughout the study.”
“We will continue to coordinate with the city as the project progresses,” the agency said.
Reginald Williams said he drives the highway often.
“I have taken it personally and it’s heavy, especially at Cesar Chavez,” he said. “It is due to the population increase in Austin.”
He said he would like to see something done to improve the traffic.
The CTRMA said it has opened a 48-day comment period to allow all interested and impacted stakeholders the opportunity to review materials, ask questions and provide feedback. That ends on Dec. 29. Comments can be made at www.voh.mopacsouth.com or by emailing [email protected].