(Credit: City of Austin)
After a six month public process, the Austin Transportation Department is moving forward with a two-way protected bikeway on the lower section of Shoal Creek Boulevard between 38th Street and Foster Lane. The plan also includes a new pedestrian and bicycle underpass at 2222, improved intersection designs, general parking retention along the east curb, and a number of new pedestrian crossings and sidewalks to better access schools, parks, places of worship, and other neighborhood destinations.
ATD began a public process for Shoal Creek Boulevard in December 2018. Input received during an initial community listening session and comment period in December 2018 and January 2019 was used to develop a range of options for community review. A city survey was also released to gauge the feelings of those who live in the area. That survey found 70-percent of respondents did not want the bike lanes, but their objections have bee overruled by the Austin City Council, which feels its vision of safety should trump any opposition from residents.
Austin City Council Members Alison Alter and Leslie Pool released the following joint statement regarding the project:
“Shoal Creek Boulevard is one of central Austin’s most beautiful streets, and we’re gratified that over 2,000 people participated in the survey process for this project. The street was slated for a routine repaving, which provided an appropriate opportunity to evaluate possible safety improvements. We acknowledge that 70 percent of respondents who live on Shoal Creek Boulevard prefer no change to the street; however, we must strike a balance among the various stakeholders who use the street, including the increasing number of neighborhood families, kids on bicycles, commuters, and seniors. The selected design assists in achieving the city’s multiple mobility and safety goals, and we are supportive of these innovations.”
Construction is anticipated to begin later this summer. For more information about the project, including a feedback form, an FAQ, and a full report on all survey data, visit AustinTexas.gov/ShoalCreekBlvd.
