The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) unveiled an $8.1 billion improvement plan for Interstate 35 from Round Rock, TX, south through downtown Austin, and on to the SH 45 SE toll road near Buda, TX. The plan calls for adding a managed toll lane in each direction for the very congested freeway, and additional upgrades in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.

Dubbed the Capital Express plan, the idea would be to rebuild portions of I-35, potentially lowering the freeway below ground level in downtown Austin. Construction on the upgrades would be accomplished in phases, with the section in downtown Austin likely given high priority, as it is the state’s main thoroughfare for goods and services.

But, these changes won’t be happening immediately. An environmental impact report is expected to be issued in 2019, and TxDOT expects to host open house meetings to gather public input.

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