AUSTIN, Texas — News for drivers in North Austin: The second Steck Avenue exit off of MoPac Expressway southbound will be closed starting on Thursday, Feb. 13.
This will also affect people coming from southbound U.S. 183. The exit will remain closed for the next few months.
The closure is part of a $490 million project. The 183 North Mobility Project will eventually revamp MoPac Expressway from U.S. 183 down to Far West Boulevard, and U.S. 183 from MoPac Expressway up to FM 620, near Lakeline Mall, adding a toll lane on each side of U.S. 183 and MoPac Expressway.
“Right now, the big construction you see where there is the large columns and bridge being built, right at the intersection, is helping facilitate that connection, to make it happen,” said CTRMA Director of Engineering Mike Sexton. “We have to come down the outside and tie in the existing lanes, and we also need to cross the main lanes and express lane in the middle.”
Sexton said it will be worth it in the long run to keep up with the growth of the city, having an 8-mile stretch of express lanes.
“There are going to be some impacts as you go through this. Ultimately on the downstream of this there will be improved mobility regionally, but it’s going to take a bit of time to get there,” he said.
Work is set to continue for the next three months. CTRMA officials said if you are using U.S. 183 and usually get off at Steck Avenue, you will take Far West Boulevard and loop back to Steck Avenue. There will be barricades and detour signs set at Steck Avenue.
Mobility leaders are trying to adapt to a city that’s growing and changing.
The total project is expected to be complete by early 2026.