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183 North Mobility Project Opens Non-Tolled Lane Early

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August 19, 2024
(Austin, Texas) — Just in time for back-to-school travel, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) is proud to announce it has delivered the early opening of an additional non-tolled travel lane in both directions on the 183 North Mobility Project corridor between State Highway 45 North and Loop 1 (MoPac). The project is overseen by the Mobility Authority and includes funding from TxDOT for the fourth non-tolled lane. This accomplishment brings the total number of non-tolled lanes to four in each direction, up from three previously and means smoother, more reliable travel for drivers as construction continues on the northwest Austin project, which is slated for completion in 2026.

“This is a goal that has been a part of the overall 183 North Mobility Project since the beginning, but we’re proud to have pushed hard to successfully bring it to fruition much earlier than originally expected,” said James Bass, executive director for the Mobility Authority. “Keeping Central Texans moving, even in the midst of a large construction project, is a priority for the Mobility Authority, and drivers should be experiencing a better commute along U.S. 183 as a result,” Bass said.

While final lane placement will ultimately shift with full project completion in 2026, the increase in the number of non-tolled lanes on U.S. 183 is a permanent condition. This is just one of several improvements the Mobility Authority is bringing to the corridor, which will include construction of two additional express lanes in each direction in the center median along U.S. 183, as well as express lane direct connectors and a collector distributor road that will be constructed with MoPac to the south. In addition, approximately nine miles of new ADA-compliant sidewalks, new shared use path connections and cross-street connections for bicycles and pedestrians are being constructed as a part of this project.

Already, the added lane on U.S. 183 is creating a positive buzz among Central Texas drivers.

“They recently opened an expansion of the southbound lanes between Anderson Mill and MoPac that sees four lanes the entire way. Goodbye to the backup by the onramp at the old Catfish Parlor!” said one user on Reddit. Another user added in response, “I’ll admit I’m seriously surprised by this. That corner there was a bottleneck every single day. Since they opened the 4th lane I’ve breezed through that spot.”

Note, there are still ongoing lane closures, particularly on the frontage roads, for work that will happen as a part of the 183 North Mobility Project. Upcoming lane closures and project updates can be found on the 183 North Mobility Project website. You can also follow the project via Twitter @183North.

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About the 183 North Mobility Project:
The 183 North Mobility Project aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion and provide more reliable travel times for transit and emergency responders along the nine-mile stretch of US 183 between SH 45 North and MoPac. The project includes the construction of two express lanes in each direction and the addition of a general-purpose lane to bring the number of non-tolled lanes to four in each direction. Express lane direct connectors will be constructed with MoPac to the south. The project also includes operational improvements to southbound MoPac, new shared use path connections, new sidewalks and cross-street connections for bicycles/pedestrians. When completed, those looking to bypass traffic congestion have a choice to use the 183 North Express Lanes. Drivers who prefer not to pay a toll will still have the option to use the improved non-tolled general-purpose lanes.

About the Mobility Authority
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to develop, deliver, operate and maintain high-quality roadways and related transportation solutions. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45SW Toll Road, and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is also constructing the Barton Skyway Ramp Relief, 183A Phase III, 183 North Mobility Projects. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.

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