City of Austin, including Council Member Alison Alter, joined Capital Delivery Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works in breaking ground on the Spicewood Springs Regional Mobility Project at the Austin Board of Realtors' park on Friday morning. The project, funded by the 2016 Mobility Bond, will expand Spicewood Springs Road from two to four lanes between Loop 360 and Mesa Drive, addressing safety concerns and enhancing mobility in the area.
Construction, commencing this month, will span approximately a fifth of a mile between Mesa Drive and Loop 360, incorporating shared-use lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as medians. The project, estimated at $31 million, is slated for completion by December 2026.
Council Member Alter emphasized the project's impact on safety, stating, "Between 2012 and 2017, 47% of vehicle collisions along this stretch resulted in an injury. I am very pleased that the new improvements will not only create a safer and more efficient road but will do so preserving green space."
Alter highlighted the project as a crucial addition to the city's mobility options, saying, "With the new shared paths that will be on both sides of the road, this project will increase the mobility options for the area and truly serve Austin's many families and workers as they make their way through our community."
Steve Grace, Interim Assistant Director of Capital Delivery Services, mentioned the city's commitment to environmental preservation during construction.
"We worked with environmental consultant Hicks & Co. to protect the various unique animals that live along the road, ensuring construction would not impact the endangered Jollyville Plateau Salamander or disrupt Golden-Cheeked Warbler nesting activity," Grace said.
Jim Dale, Interim Deputy Director of Transportation and Public Works, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure for everyone in the city.
“One message our residents have consistently delivered to us is they want safer, more efficient ways to move around Austin no matter what transportation method they are using,” Dale said. “This Spicewood Springs Road project is a great example of the City delivering on that mandate from Austinites.”
To engage with the community, Capital Delivery Services and Transportation and Public Works will host a "Meet the Contractor" event on December 13 at 6 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive. Residents will have the opportunity to view the plans and pose questions to city officials and DeNucci Constructors, the project's builder. | 
