File photo
File photo
The phased opening of the 183 Toll Road, and tolled connector flyover ramps between the 183 Toll Road and State Highway 71 is coming into completion which marks the finishing of the tolled elements of the 183 South Project, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority said in a press release.
The 183 South Project, which began in April 2016, was constructed to serve the purpose of offering Central Texan drivers the non-stop route north-south alternative to Interstate 35 and cost approximately $743 million, a release from 183 South stated.
"The US 183 corridor from US 290 to SH 71 is one of Austin’s most important arterials. Since US 183 was constructed in the mid-1960s, the roadway has been a four-lane divided highway with minor improvements. As the primary route to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and points beyond, it attracts more than 60,000 cars and trucks a day," the 183 South release said.
With this in mind, the Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began working in 2011 to find a way to improve the mobility of the 183 South corridors that could reduce travel times and improve quality, the 183 South release said. The solution to these issues birthed the 183 South Project.
The 183 South Project has focused on mobility improvements and vision since the start of its conception and construction. Mobility improvements from the project have included a tolled expressway with three lanes, an improved non-tolled US 183 with three general-purpose lanes, improved traffic management and emergency response system, high-tech traffic monitoring and new bike lanes and sidewalks.
Also as part of the focus of the project has been the mobility vision improvement for drivers.
"The Mobility Authority is dedicated to having real, positive impacts on people’s drive times and quality of life. Central Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in America, and the Mobility Authority is working to create transportation solutions that meet our growing community," the 183 South release said.
Put simply, the 183 South Project helps decongest the interstate and improve travel time for Austin's east side.
"Drivers who do not wish to use the toll road and pay a toll can still use the new and improved non-tolled general-purpose lanes of US 183 by following the “Last Free Exit” signs at either end of the 183 Toll Road, or by continuing on the general-purpose lanes and avoiding entrance ramps to the tolled lanes from any point along the corridor," the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authoriy press release said.
For those going the full toll roads, it is an 8-mile trip.
"The toll rate for a full-length trip on the 8-mile 183 Toll Road is $2.30 for drivers with an electronic tag like TxTag, TollTag or EZ-Tag. The cost to use the tolled direct connector flyover ramps between the 183 Toll Road and SH 71 will be an additional $0.59 with a tag. Drivers who do not wish to use the toll road or tolled flyovers can still use the new and improved non-tolled general-purpose lanes of US 183," according to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authoriy press release.
To find information about continuing construction activity, road closures and other information, visit the 183south.com update webpage.