Austin leaders plan improvements for highway to ABIA
City leaders and state lawmakers are working on a plan to improve State Highway 71 so it can handle more traffic.
The idea is to turn a stretch of SH 71 at FM 972 into a “super street.” The changes will re-route left turn lanes so that they don't slow down traffic. They'll also improve traffic lights.
The design would eliminate left turn traffic coming off of FM 973.
"We expect that the average vehicle or person traveling the intersection will see - during the peak hour of traffic - a reduction in delay of 40 and upwards to 90 percent, depending on the direction that they're traveling." Kent O'Brien with Pape-Dawson Engineers said.
The changes are estimated to cost about $2 million.
The project is still in the planning stage, but could be up for bid next year.