TxDOT has expanded highways for years, even though they know it doesn’t work. Widening highways worsens congestion by encouraging more driving, a phenomenon known as “induced demand”. When Houston’s Katy Freeway (pictured) was widened to 23 lanes, evening commutes got 19 minutes longer.

Austinites already spend over 100 hours a year stuck in traffic. With an expanded I-35, they’ll spend even more time behind the wheel.

It’s impossible to describe the pain of suddenly, tragically losing a loved one. And yet, every year 25 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in Austin happen on I-35. Widening I-35 will increase vehicle speeds outside of rush hour, meaning more people will die and suffer life-changing injuries.

The American Lung Association says about the Austin area “the air you breathe may put your health at risk.” And climate change presents a grave threat to humanity. Widening I-35 would make these crises much worse.

Widening I-35 is projected to cost over $8 billion – a staggering figure that’s almost certain to rise if the project gets underway. Other increased costs – including higher long term maintenance, dealing with a growing number of crashes, and of course future highway expansions – will surely follow.

Texas will have to balance its books sooner or later, meaning higher taxes for us all.

1. Cleaner air. Fewer cars means cleaner air and healthier lungs, especially for nearby communities.

2. Safer streets. Tree-lined sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and public transportation will offer safe ways to get around that weren’t possible before. This will save lives.

3. More active lifestyles. A boulevard will make walking and bicycling easier and more enjoyable than ever.

4. Positive climate change impacts. Transportation accounts for 36% of Austin’s carbon emissions. A boulevard will greatly increase the use of sustainable transportation and slash carbon emissions.

Many people see I-35 as a wall protecting eastern neighborhoods from gentrification. However, it’s unacceptable for nearby communities – especially children, the elderly, the poor, and people of color – to pay the price with respiratory illnesses, constant noise, and traffic crashes.

With the following measures, a boulevard will bring significant benefits into surrounding neighborhoods while preventing displacement. Let’s get this right.

1. Create affordable housing. A boulevard will open up land that I-35 previously consumed. A high percentage of new development along the boulevard should go to affordable housing and previously displaced households should have first right of refusal.

2. Divert new tax revenues to anti-displacement programs. New development will create significant new tax revenues. The City of Austin should allocate a portion of such income toward anti-displacement programs in neighboring communities.

3. Get input from local communities before any changes. Nearby communities should have the final say to ensure that a boulevard increases equity and prevents displacement.

Imagine life with a boulevard. Happy families strolling past sidewalk cafes, neighbors catching up on the street, and local Austin businesses making us proud. This would be a stunning addition to downtown.

The community should help design the boulevard. A boulevard has the potential to be one of Texas’s most iconic places. The community should lead the task of setting the character of new development along the boulevard. The result will be a beautiful place that feels uniquely Austin.

55% of Austinites would prefer to get around in other ways other than driving. A boulevard would allow more people to stop driving and take congestion-free transportation such as public transportation, walking, and bicycling.

With Austin’s historic vote of $7bn for Project Connect, options other than driving will greatly improve in the years to come.

Major highways running around town, not through it, is not only the norm across the US, it’s the norm in Texas. Non-local traffic reaching city limits can choose to continue on the highway around town or take the business route / boulevard through town.

TxDOT built SH-130 for this very purpose. It’s time to use it!

Image credit: Brian Nunnery