AUSTIN, TX The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority officially breaks ground on the 183 South Expressway project - the largest local roadway project in Central Texas ever led by a local entity. The eight-mile expressway, stretching from US 290 to State Highway 71, will triple capacity on a corridor that carries more than 60,000 vehicles each day. The $743 million project will involve constructing three tolled lanes in each direction in the middle of US 183, while the existing US 183 will be reconstructed with up to three non-tolled general purpose lanes in each direction. 

The 183 South Expressway project is the region's largest since SH 130 and signifies a major step forward in developing a comprehensive regional transportation system that offers greater mobility, reliable travel times and improved access to affordable housing. In addition to providing a non-stop, signal free route to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the project will include significant bicycle and pedestrian improvements. 

"Beginning work on the 183 South Expressway project is a tremendous win for Central Texas as we build a stronger transportation network and enhance one of our area's key corridors, which hasn't seen an upgrade this significant since it was built more than 50 years ago," said Mobility Authority Chairman Ray Wilkerson. "The Mobility Authority's hope for this roadway is that it will support broader efforts of making this region and city increasingly livable and accessible for years to come." 

During development of the project, the Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation conducted an extensive 16-month public input process that led to creation of a vision for aesthetic enhancements that will help revitalize the corridor and support greater economic investment.