The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority's Board of Directors recently approved Great Hills Constructors as the Apparent Best-Value Proposer (ABVP) to design and construct the 183 North Mobility Project.
This allows the agency to move into final contract negotiations with an expected contract execution date by spring 2021.
The goals of the 183 North Mobility Project are to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable travel times for transit and emergency responders along U.S. 183 between State Highway 45 North and Loop 1 (MoPac).
The 183 North Mobility Project encompasses a 9-mile stretch of U.S. 183 between State Highway 45 North and MoPac and includes construction of two express lanes in each direction and the addition of a general-purpose lane to bring the number of non-tolled lanes to four in each direction. Express lane direct connectors will be constructed with MoPac to the south. The project also includes operational improvements to southbound MoPac, new shared-use path connections, new sidewalks, and cross-street connections for bicycles/pedestrians. Construction is set to begin this year with completion targeted in 2026.
Addressing congestion on the 69th most congested roadway in the state of Texas, the 183 North Mobility Project will provide Central Texans faster connections to the epicenter of Austin, from outlying areas that offer access to more affordable housing, according to the Mobility Authority’s Chairman of the Board Bobby Jenkins.
“Traffic congestion in our region, particularly along U.S. 183 between S.H. 45 North and MoPac is deeply concerning, because the corridor is a lifeline to downtown Austin and home to businesses and other essentials such as schools, recreation, major employment centers, healthcare, and religious institutions. These are vital parts of our daily lives that would benefit from improved mobility,” Jenkins said in a statement.
The project received a Finding of No Significant Impact and environmental clearance in 2016 from the Texas DOT’s Environmental Affairs Division to move into the final design and construction phase. In January 2019, the Texas Transportation Commission approved $104.2 million in federal funding for the non-tolled portion of the roadway, clearing the way for procurement of a design-build contractor.
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SOURCE: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
