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Construction on South Congress and Stassney Lanes in Austin is Now Complete

2024-12-09

The winter months have witnessed the successful conclusion of construction along South Congress Avenue and Stassney Lane in south Austin. This significant undertaking is set to bring about a notable improvement in safety. According to a news release, the city's Transportation and Public Works Department designed these roadway improvements with the aim of reducing crashes for all modes of transportation.

Enhanced Safety Measures

The improvements encompass a wide range of safety, mobility, and accessibility features. A second left-turning lane has been added for southbound Congress Avenue vehicles heading to eastbound Stassney Lane. New raised concrete medians on Congress Avenue effectively control entry and exit points along the roadway. Additionally, a new left turn lane has been created on northbound Congress Avenue to Ainsworth Street. The concrete islands at the northeast and southeast corners of the intersection have been reworked to make cars take right turns more gradually. Separate bicycle and pedestrian paths have been established, along with six new Capital Metro bus stops. Pedestrian infrastructure has been upgraded, including re-striped crosswalks and new ADA-compliant curb ramps. Driveway safety enhancements, traffic signal upgrades, and signal timing upgrades at both the Little Texas Lane and Stassney Lane intersections along South Congress Avenue have also been implemented. New pavement surface markings and signage complete the package.

Project Timeline and Funding

The construction project took approximately a year and a half to complete. Crews first started working on the $4.9 million roadway improvements in May 2023. The project was funded by the city's 2018 Mobility Bonds and CapMetro. For more information on the status of other Mobility Bond road projects, one can refer here.

Benefits for All

These improvements will have a profound impact on the safety and mobility of the area. With the addition of new lanes and medians, traffic flow will be more organized, reducing the likelihood of crashes. The separated paths for bicycles and pedestrians ensure their safety and provide them with dedicated spaces. The upgraded bus stops and pedestrian infrastructure will enhance the overall transportation experience for commuters. This project is a testament to the city's commitment to improving safety and accessibility on its roads.

Conclusion

The completion of the roadwork along S Congress Avenue is a significant milestone. It not only enhances safety but also sets the stage for a more efficient and accessible transportation system in south Austin. The efforts of the Transportation and Public Works Department, along with the funding from the Mobility Bonds and CapMetro, have made this possible. As the area continues to grow and evolve, these improvements will play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of residents and visitors alike.>

The Palo Pinto Mountains State Park holds great significance for North Texas. It was first acquired by the state in 2011 and was initially set to have a soft opening in late 2023 as part of the parks system's centennial celebration. However, construction delays have pushed the opening to 2025. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials caution that there may be further pushbacks due to construction. Currently, the goal is to have a partial opening in 2025, and officials are working to provide a more concrete date as they assess the possibility of delays.

Construction Challenges and Delays

Construction was a major issue in 2023 for the state park. Long lead times on construction materials and other factors led to delays in early 2023. The park's features pending completion include road pavements, camp sites, day use areas, and the construction of public buildings. These construction efforts are crucial for the park to be fully operational and provide visitors with a great experience.The land first came into the state's possession in 2011, about three years after a bar shooting in the nearby town of Mingus resulted in a settlement worth 1,000 acres. The acreage was signed over to the victim's father in a wrongful death lawsuit. At the same time, parks officials were in search of a site within an hour's drive of Fort Worth.Purchase of the state park was made possible through a combination of private and public funding. This includes $12.5 million in state appropriations, $13 million from the Texas Department of Transportation, and at least $9 million from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. These funds have been instrumental in making the park a reality.

Park Features and Recreational Opportunities

The new state park covers 4.7 miles on Palo Pinto Creek in the Cross Timbers and Prairies ecological region. It features several 1,400-foot peaks, Tucker Lake, and two creeks surrounded by a plethora of flora and fauna. Guests are welcome to hike, mountain bike, camp, and fish on the park grounds. This provides a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.Parks officials hope that Palo Pinto will not only serve as a valuable recreational spot but also invigorate the region through visitors' economic impact and contributions. About 75,000 visitors are expected to visit the park annually, which will bring economic benefits to the local area.Nicole Lopez is the environmental reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

On December 6th, 2024, a significant event took place as HSP members Kevin Quilty, Ray Estes, Deb McCarthy, Ted Healey, and Chris O’Connor joined State Senator Patrick O’Connor at the groundbreaking ceremony of The Dock. This moment marked the start of the construction of a remarkable wellness and fitness center at Hingham High School.

Uniting the Community for a Healthier Future

Building a Modern Wellness Hub

The 2,500 square foot modern facility, The Dock, to be located at the HHS Athletic Complex, is set to bring about a significant transformation. It will enable Hingham High School to expand its electives, including yoga and more, providing a better space for these activities and enhancing students' wellness. Moreover, the sports teams will have a more modern area to build strength, wellness, and camaraderie.This initiative is not just about physical fitness; it's about creating an inclusive and modern space that caters to the diverse needs of the students and the community. It's a step towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Philanthropic Support for a Great Cause

The Dock is being completely funded through philanthropy. Generous individuals and businesses have played a crucial role in making this project a reality. Jim and Anne Davis, owners of New Balance; Coastal Dealerships; South Shore Bank; Symmons; and Special Needs Athletic Partnership have all contributed. Additionally, Senator Patrick O’Connor secured a $100,000 grant from the State of Massachusetts.This shows the power of community support and the willingness of businesses and individuals to come together for a common goal. Their contributions are the foundation upon which The Dock will be built.

Meeting the Goal and Looking Ahead

While construction has already begun, there is still a need to raise $200,000 more to meet the project's goal. Campaign Co-Chair Kevin Quilty encourages those who have not yet contributed to consider making a gift at any level as they plan their year-end charitable giving.HSP expects the project to be completed by summer 2025, and it is already a significant achievement as the nonprofit's largest project to date. This will not only benefit the students of Hingham High School but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community.To learn more about HSP and how you can donate, visit https://www.hinghamsports.com/node/12.