Mobility Committee

Summary

This item is a briefing on two recommendations from the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) from their February 3, 2026, meeting. The first recommendation (20260203-006) urges the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to pause the Mopac South project. The UTC cites misalignment with the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP), City Council and Travis County guidance, and community feedback opposing highway expansion. They recommend a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if the project proceeds and suggest pausing until other major projects (I-35 Capital Express Central, Project Connect Light Rail, South Lamar Blvd construction) are complete.

The second recommendation (20260203-005) concerns changes to the East 6th Street design. The UTC recommends that Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) advance Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 for the Sixth Street Mobility and Revitalization Project, which include protected bike and scooter lanes on both sides of the street. This aligns with the ASMP and 2023 Austin Bicycle Plan, and public feedback showing strong support for these alternatives over Alternative 3 (which City Staff recommended). The UTC also suggests alternative safety measures if Alternative 3 is chosen and requests a transparent decision-making framework for mobility projects.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect potential impacts on future transportation projects and street designs. The UTC's recommendations could influence whether Mopac South is expanded and how East 6th Street is redesigned, affecting traffic, mobility options, and environmental considerations in Austin.

Confidence

high

Summary

This briefing provides an update on Austin's Sidewalks & Urban Trails Division (SUTD) programs, highlighting progress, identifying gaps, and outlining funding needs. The Sidewalk Program has improved its network's functional acceptability to 40% (up from 16% in 2015), with an additional 8% being deficient only due to vegetation. Clearing vegetation could increase functional acceptability to 48%. The program has a construction budget of $26.7M for FY2025, decreasing to $9.7M annually from FY2027-2029. The Urban Trails Program has assessed its entire 139-mile network, with 14 miles needing major repair. Several projects are recently completed, under construction, or planned, including significant segments of the "Big Loop" trail system. Funding for urban trails includes $56.8M in remaining bond funds as of November 2025, with expenditures projected through FY2028. Key initiatives include a dedicated urban trail maintenance crew, a new General Permit process, and proposed code updates for new development and maintenance.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect ongoing improvements to sidewalks and urban trails, with a focus on clearing vegetation to improve usability. While sidewalk construction funding is projected to decrease in future years, significant bond funds remain for urban trail projects. The city is also exploring code updates that could impact new developments and maintenance responsibilities.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item presents a briefing on 'teledriving' vehicles, which are operated remotely by a human driver via an internet connection. Unlike autonomous vehicles (AVs), teledriven vehicles are not automated, and Texas law currently only regulates AVs, not teledriven ones. Nevada has existing teledriving operations, but state law there preempts local regulations. The City of Austin's Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) department is engaging with a company intending to operate teledriven vehicles in Austin soon. ATPW anticipates bringing forward an ordinance in Summer/Fall 2026 to establish guidelines, requiring operating licenses, permits, safety reports, and first responder training, similar to state AV rules. An agreement with an initial teledriving company is expected by February/March 2026.

Citizen Impact

The city is exploring regulations for remotely operated vehicles. Residents may see these vehicles on Austin roads in the future, and the city plans to implement licensing and safety requirements for their operation.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report from the Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) department provides a monthly update on various mobility programs and projects in the Central Texas region, focusing on construction and service updates for critical infrastructure. Key highlights include:

• Winter Storm Response: ATPW staff worked extensively during a recent ice storm, pre-treating and monitoring streets and bridges, responding to numerous emergency requests, and repairing traffic signals.
• Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass: This project, funded by the 2020 Mobility Bond, is now open. It connects the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and includes the Unity Underpass with public art.
• Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative: Phase 1 of this initiative has broken ground on the south side of Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez intersection, with construction expected to proceed block by block, aiming for substantial completion by Summer 2027. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan (LMAP): The city has published its LMAP, detailing over 200 planned projects funded by the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Mobility Bonds, aimed at improving safety and ease of movement across Austin.
• I-35 Capital Express Central Project: TxDOT is undertaking this project, which includes permanent ramp closures, limited waterway access under I-35, and closure of the Colorado River Trailhead parking lot until mid-2027. Trail detours are in place.
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): New airline use and lease agreements have been finalized to support a multi-billion-dollar expansion, including a new Concourse B, a New Arrivals and Departures Hall, and redevelopment of Concourse A. The airport also celebrated the opening of the first-ever Kendra Scott store within an airport terminal.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect updates on ongoing transportation infrastructure projects like the Congress Avenue redesign and I-35 expansion, which may cause temporary disruptions but aim to improve mobility. The opening of the Wishbone Bridge enhances trail connectivity, and the new LMAP outlines future improvements funded by mobility bonds.

Confidence

high

Summary

This memo provides an update on the Our Future 35 Cap and Stitch program, focusing on changes to TxDOT's construction schedule and recommendations for the two Northern Stitch roadway elements. The original City commitment of up to $104 million for Phase 1 roadway elements (Cesar Chavez to 4th Street; 4th Street to 7th Street; 11th Street to 12th Street; and two 300-foot stitches from 41st Street to the Red Line) is impacted by TxDOT's decision to deliver construction in two packages: an advanced package (2027-2031) and an ultimate package (2029-2033). City-funded elements will be part of the ultimate package, delaying final design to 2028 and construction to 2029. The City remains responsible for all cost overruns, with a $17.33 million (20%) contingency included in the current estimate. TxDOT requires a City funding commitment for Phase 2 cap decks by May 2026 for inclusion in the bid package. For the Northern Stitches, staff recommends Option B: Red Line Stitch + 41st Street Split, estimated at $8.4 million of the $24 million allocated for these elements, balancing active transportation benefits, feasibility, and cost. Community engagement included stakeholder meetings and an open house with over 100 attendees, with Option B receiving the highest support in dot voting.

Citizen Impact

The I-35 Cap and Stitch program's timeline has been extended, potentially increasing costs for the City due to TxDOT's construction schedule changes. Residents will have input on the final design of the two northern stitches, with Option B recommended for its balance of connectivity and cost-effectiveness.

Confidence

high

Summary

This memo presents the initial draft recommendation for the 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond Program, totaling $700 million. The program aims to address Austin's critical infrastructure needs through a six-year cycle, focusing on project readiness, operating budget impact, service delivery enhancement, private investment pathways, and economic development.

Key priorities identified through public surveys and task force sessions include Transportation, Housing and Homelessness, and Parks and Parkland. The draft recommendation refines an initial $3.9 billion needs assessment into a more focused list.

Proposed Allocation Breakdown:

• Transportation: $251 million (35.9%)
• Watershed Protection: $160 million (22.9%)
• Parks and Open Space: $140 million (20.0%)
• Public Health and Safety: $129 million (18.4%)
• Community Facilities: $20 million (2.9%)

Public engagement activities, including open houses and surveys, are scheduled for February 2026 to gather further community input before final recommendations are made to the City Council in May 2026, with a potential bond election in November 2026.

Citizen Impact

Residents will have opportunities to provide input on how a $700 million bond package will be allocated to critical infrastructure projects like transportation, housing, parks, and public safety. The final bond package, if approved by voters in November 2026, will fund these improvements and may result in a tax increase, with a median willingness to pay of $10/month noted in surveys.

Confidence

high