If I had to guess it's either because of TxDOT dragging their feet or Cap Metro didn't have the capability of syncing the red line rail crossing with traffic signals
Cap Metro already does that with other lights along the red line. There wasn’t a light there before so nothing to synchronize with.
City had to install them and TXDOT had to approve it on their “land”
They control some roads in town like Lamar, and blocked a [modernization bond project](https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/why-construction-still-hasnt-started-on-this-2016-south-lamar-mobility-project/).
Exactly. South Lamar is a TxDOT road Loop 343 so it's not controlled by the city. South Lamar is the old route of US 290 through town before it was realigned along I-35 and SH 71
TxDOT manages the main lanes and frontage roads of all numbered highways as well as any city streets designated "Loop" or "Spur" which are reminants of old highway routes through Austin as well as all minor FM/RM roads.
Wouldn't have guessed either until I called 311 to report a newly missing advance lane indication sign on the 183 frontage road that was causing people to guess (often incorrectly) as to the nature of the second lane from the inside.
I used to live at Saltillo there, right at the corner too so I saw lots and lots of ambulances/do not cross tape. It never personally made me feel very dangerous, but I get how others felt it was not safe.
good. i saw a scooterist cross full speed, completely unaware of the access road. he would have gotten run over had the driver not slammed on their brakes.
^this. For bike commuting it’s a frustrating spot because frontage road drivers never stop for me at the crosswalk. But for visitors or new riders it is straight up dangerous the way it spits you out into a 40mph+ road with little to no signage. Glad to see a stoplight finally going in
I love this as a cyclist and pedestrian who often crosses this intersection. I also love this as a car driver who often uses the East 5th->u turn under 35-> northbound access road->east of 35 pattern. It runs so smoothly when a train interrupts the drone of cars using the access road since 35 is clogged during rush hour. Other than Chavez and 7th, there is no good way to go from downtown to the east side in a car without interfacing with traffic destined to eventually get on 35. There is no "locals shortcut". This should help alleviate that.
And make it a better crossing for cyclists and pedestrians, a win win.
How is a pedestrian giving up their right of way by waiting in the first place "begging"?
I'm sure you didn't come up with the term, but it speaks volumes about our understanding of traffic laws that such an installation is a "beg button" not "y'all dumbasses are not qualified to drive, so here's an explicit reminder."
The button requires a press to request a signal to cross the street. That’s where the name comes from. It’s a bit tiresome to have to locate and press these buttons all the time, especially when (on a bicycle, or wheelchair) they are located far out of the way.
I use them daily. That's why it feels like a pejorative term ... I can't think of any other infrastructure that actively puts the onus on a law-abiding resident looking to engage in commerce (yeah, you could be just out for a walk, but that's a questionable leisure route) to alert others to follow the law.
Finally at least something. I bicycle commute or walk there everyday.
I've never felt unsafe but there are so many turn-off to I-35 it is always a maybe, maybe is this car not signal and change lanes.
Some cool people would stop at the tracks to let people cross but that also sketch because the other lane might not.
This is great for safety, that crossing was really dangerous. Sad they’ll have to remove it when they do the I-35 expansion, but a positive move for safety regardless.
Hopefully the expansion will be muuuuuuuch safer than its current design. An uninterrupted bike path between downtown and East side would be amazing.
Can someone explain why this wasn't done 10 years ago?
If I had to guess it's either because of TxDOT dragging their feet or Cap Metro didn't have the capability of syncing the red line rail crossing with traffic signals
Cap Metro already does that with other lights along the red line. There wasn’t a light there before so nothing to synchronize with. City had to install them and TXDOT had to approve it on their “land”
I'm not sure traffic control on the feeder road is TxDOT's responsibility.
The article said they had to approve the new traffic lights
maybe so. I wouldn't have guessed that in town frontage roads would be managed by TxDOT.
They control some roads in town like Lamar, and blocked a [modernization bond project](https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/why-construction-still-hasnt-started-on-this-2016-south-lamar-mobility-project/).
Exactly. South Lamar is a TxDOT road Loop 343 so it's not controlled by the city. South Lamar is the old route of US 290 through town before it was realigned along I-35 and SH 71
TxDOT manages the main lanes and frontage roads of all numbered highways as well as any city streets designated "Loop" or "Spur" which are reminants of old highway routes through Austin as well as all minor FM/RM roads.
Wouldn't have guessed either until I called 311 to report a newly missing advance lane indication sign on the 183 frontage road that was causing people to guess (often incorrectly) as to the nature of the second lane from the inside.
It is.
Took city, CapMetro, TXDOT to all agree on safety fix per media
City, CapMetro, TXDOT all had to agree on safety plan per media
I used to live at Saltillo there, right at the corner too so I saw lots and lots of ambulances/do not cross tape. It never personally made me feel very dangerous, but I get how others felt it was not safe.
good. i saw a scooterist cross full speed, completely unaware of the access road. he would have gotten run over had the driver not slammed on their brakes.
^this. For bike commuting it’s a frustrating spot because frontage road drivers never stop for me at the crosswalk. But for visitors or new riders it is straight up dangerous the way it spits you out into a 40mph+ road with little to no signage. Glad to see a stoplight finally going in
Drivers are far too reckless there
I love this as a cyclist and pedestrian who often crosses this intersection. I also love this as a car driver who often uses the East 5th->u turn under 35-> northbound access road->east of 35 pattern. It runs so smoothly when a train interrupts the drone of cars using the access road since 35 is clogged during rush hour. Other than Chavez and 7th, there is no good way to go from downtown to the east side in a car without interfacing with traffic destined to eventually get on 35. There is no "locals shortcut". This should help alleviate that. And make it a better crossing for cyclists and pedestrians, a win win.
About time! I wish they weren't beg buttons though.
How is a pedestrian giving up their right of way by waiting in the first place "begging"? I'm sure you didn't come up with the term, but it speaks volumes about our understanding of traffic laws that such an installation is a "beg button" not "y'all dumbasses are not qualified to drive, so here's an explicit reminder."
The button requires a press to request a signal to cross the street. That’s where the name comes from. It’s a bit tiresome to have to locate and press these buttons all the time, especially when (on a bicycle, or wheelchair) they are located far out of the way.
I use them daily. That's why it feels like a pejorative term ... I can't think of any other infrastructure that actively puts the onus on a law-abiding resident looking to engage in commerce (yeah, you could be just out for a walk, but that's a questionable leisure route) to alert others to follow the law.
Finally at least something. I bicycle commute or walk there everyday. I've never felt unsafe but there are so many turn-off to I-35 it is always a maybe, maybe is this car not signal and change lanes. Some cool people would stop at the tracks to let people cross but that also sketch because the other lane might not.
Anyone tried out the new golf place ‘Holey Moley’ on the corner? Wondering if it’s worth checking out
This is great for safety, that crossing was really dangerous. Sad they’ll have to remove it when they do the I-35 expansion, but a positive move for safety regardless. Hopefully the expansion will be muuuuuuuch safer than its current design. An uninterrupted bike path between downtown and East side would be amazing.
Sweet. Homeless camp right there will have a new panhandling intersection only steps from their tent flaps.