Austin City Council has approved the release of $460m funds earmarked for local mobility projects across the Texan city.

The release of funds from the 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond will allow Austin Transportation and Austin Public Works to hire the initial staff necessary to begin work on the programme.

Capital improvements

The Longhorn Dam bicycle and pedestrian bridge intended to increase safety on Pleasant Valley Road and link trails and parks in the locality, is one of the projects slated to begin presently under $102m worth of capital improvements.

“Over the past three election cycles, Austin voters have said loud and clear that transportation safety and mobility improvements are a major priority for them,” said Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager over mobility.

“We know the importance of bringing these enhancements to fruition as quickly as possible, in partnership with our community. Throughout the next six years, we will ensure projects are designed to meet current and future mobility needs, and they are delivered in an equitable manner across the city.”

Projects funded by this proposition include:

• $102m: major capital improvements
• $80m: sidewalks
• $80m: urban trails
• $65m: safety/vision zero
• $53m: substandard streets
• $40m: bikeways
• $20m: safe routes to school
• $19m: local transit enhancement
• $1m: neighbourhood partnering programme.

The projects are in addition to the $160m in funds approved in November 2018 and $720m approved in November 2016. According to the council, all three rounds of funding work hand-in-hand to ensure seamless connectivity improvements from Austin’s busiest roads to neighbourhood streets and points in-between.

“Over the past three election cycles, Austin voters have said loud and clear that transportation safety and mobility improvements are a major priority for them”

These are outlined by Austin’s strategic mobility plan that includes reducing dependence on vehicle trips, so only half are made alone by car by 2040.

“Council’s action allows Austin Transportation and Austin Public Works to move full speed ahead, so engineers and planners can begin designing the projects included in the 2020 bond,” said Robert Spillar, director of Austin Transportation.

“That planning is critical to getting the projects to a point where they can break ground. Community engagement will be a critical focus of Austin Transportation, so the community is aware of the work ahead and can help shape their community’s improvements.”

All work related to the 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

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