Austin, TX (KXAN) — KXAN got an exclusive look today inside the 183 North Project Construction Zone. Including the new ramps that will be the future toll lanes that will be the direct connectors for Mopac & Hwy 183.
From atop those new ramps, we met up with Mike Sexton, the Director of Engineers for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority to discuss when the project might be done.
“We’re going to be done early next year and open the toll lanes. That’s really what our focus is on, is just getting this project done, getting out of the way before I-35 really starts blowing and going and people have an easier route on the west side, going to Cedar Park,” said Sexton.
In the Spring of 2022 The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority broke ground on the 183 North Project. It’s a $612 million dollar project that spans nine miles along Hwy 183 between Mopac and SH 45 North.
They’re building two express toll lanes in each direction, plus an extra free lane for traffic. And new direct connector flyovers at 183 and Mopac, that will connect to the Mopac Express Toll Lane.
The completion date has always been slated for early 2026, but reaching that goal doesn’t come without challenges.
“As we get closer to the end of this year, weather comes into play. It gets colder and we can’t do a lot of concrete work when it’s cold. And then staffing becomes an issue, because it’s the holidays, and while everyone wants to take off, there’s going to be some incentives. Great Hills Constructors actually has incentives to their employees to be here working through the holidays to get this job done,” said Sexton.
There are 500 construction crew members working around the clock to wrap up in time.
Unfortunately the construction company missed an internal deadline earlier this month that’s called substantial completion, but CTRMA says that shouldn’t impact the opening date for the public.
“For Great Hills Constructors right now, their substantial completion would include having this direct connector open. It would also have all the paving done and all the retaining walls completed, and they’re working on that, and should have most of that done by the end of this year. And then we’ll worry about getting open to tolling next year,” said Sexton.
While drivers sit through traffic in the construction zone, before long, they’ll be able to enjoy quite the view once it’s all done.
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