Quote:
Originally Posted by lzppjb
A poster on shaggy has pointed out two articles that state capping the depressed lanes is not part of TXDOT's plan. They say Austin would have to come up with funds for them to do that, as it requires more ROW and moving utilities.
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To clarify what I think is somewhat of a misinterpretation here...
Depressing the lanes likely requires more ROW and certainly more utility relocation, which is why the cost/mile of that option is an order of magnitude higher than rebuilding largely as-is. But if that is the locally preferred option, the physical depression of the roadway would be TxDOT-funded (among other sources, for sure).
The funding programming dilemma, then, is whether the cost difference between the roadway reconstruction configurations (again, neither of which consider the cost of cap) is worth the prolonging gap in another locally needed project. For example, if the cost difference is, say, equal to a partial rebuild of 183/71 interchange (a random example of a local, but relatively complex, high-dollar project), does Austin need a sunken I-35 and wait for funds to rebuild 183/71 OR should it accept an I-35 rebuilt as-is and get another complex project built sooner?
What has been reported and seems true is that the cap, i.e. beams, deck, and a lot of landscaping, would itself likely not be funded from a transportation pot of money. But
the cap itself is a fraction of the cost of the larger rebuild and requires no additional ROW or utility relocation (since that would all be required - and funded - to depress the lanes). Practically speaking, on a cost/sq foot basis of cap construction cost, it would likely be in the City's interest to contribute funds for the cap's construction where it could be included with the larger rebuild project for many of the same reasons as adding upgrades to a new house versus adding on later. It's a tough choice, though, since the City certainly has its options as to whether to build a cap versus, say, reconstruct a main arterial in town.
In summary, from what I've come to understand, we could just as well rebuild I-35 downtown in either configuration and have it be funded from a variety of Federal, State, and local transportation sources. It simply would not be capped until or unless the locals pony up for that portion, which is precisely what happened in Dallas. But the bottom line is that if you desire to have it capped
someday, you need to express your support for the lowered alignment
now.