The Future of Austin’s Seaholm Area: $12.5 Million Allocated for Improvements

The city of Austin is gearing up for major improvements in downtown’s Seaholm area with over $12 million earmarked for projects aimed at enhancing mobility and pedestrian safety. This initiative comes as part of the city’s efforts to revitalize the Seaholm District neighborhood and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents and visitors.

Background

Established in 2008, the tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) in the Seaholm District was originally intended to fund projects such as a pedestrian and bicycle underpass beneath Bowie Street. However, after facing challenges in reaching an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for this project, the city decided to reallocate $12.5 million from the TIRZ to the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department for five alternative projects.

Projects Overview

1. Cesar Chavez Street shared-use path: Connecting Sandra Muraida Way to San Antonio Street ($1.3 million)
2. Improved crossing safety: Dynamic signs at Cesar Chavez Street and West Avenue, Walter Seaholm Drive ($200,000)
3. Third Street and Power Plant Drive mobility improvements: Enhancements to improve multimodal transportation ($1 million)
4. Northern Shoal Creek trail alignment: Enhancements to promote connectivity and accessibility ($5 million)
5. East-west crossings of Shoal Creek at Third Street: Improvements to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility ($5 million)

Proposed Design Alternatives

Alternative 1: Plaza Concept

This design proposes closing Power Plant Drive and creating a pedestrian plaza for cyclists and pedestrians. Parking on Third Street would be maintained to accommodate the needs of visitors and residents.

Alternative 2: Plaza with Back-Angle Parking

In this alternative, the city would close Power Plant Drive and install back-angle parking on the south curb of Third Street. This option aims to maximize parking spaces while providing a pedestrian plaza for enhanced walkability.

Alternative 3: Trail Connection without Plaza

Under this alternative, Power Plant Drive would remain open, but the center median between Third Street and Power Plant Drive would be expanded to create an urban trail. Parking would be maintained along Third Street, with additional green space for east-west movement.

Alternative 4: Full Plaza with Delivery Access

This option involves closing Power Plant Drive and creating a multimodal plaza with a designated delivery zone and ADA-accessible parking area. The design includes ramp access and a commercial delivery zone to cater to the needs of businesses in the area.

Public Feedback and Next Steps

Construction is already underway for the Cesar Chavez Street shared-use path and dynamic signs, with completion expected in the coming months. Public feedback is being collected for the Third Street and West Avenue improvements through a community survey and a pop-up event scheduled for March 1.

Transportation leaders will use this feedback to finalize design and construction plans for the Third Street and West Avenue enhancements, ensuring that the projects meet the needs and expectations of the community.

FAQs

1. How will the Seaholm area improvements benefit the community?

The improvements aim to enhance mobility, pedestrian safety, and connectivity in the Seaholm area, creating a more vibrant and accessible neighborhood for residents and visitors.

2. What is the timeline for completing the proposed projects?

Construction is already underway for some projects, with completion expected in the coming months. The city is actively seeking public feedback to ensure that the final designs meet the community’s needs.

3. How can community members provide feedback on the proposed designs?

Community members can participate in a community survey and attend a pop-up event to share their thoughts and suggestions with transportation leaders. Public input is crucial in shaping the future of the Seaholm area.

4. Will the Seaholm area improvements impact traffic flow in the neighborhood?

The projects aim to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and accessibility in the Seaholm area. Transportation officials are working to ensure that the designs enhance the overall experience for all users of the area.

5. How will the city ensure that the Seaholm area improvements are sustainable and environmentally friendly?

The city is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship in all its projects. The Seaholm area improvements will be designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly features, and environmentally conscious design elements.