AUSTIN, TX Receiving 1,520 number-one votes, Concept 1 will become the basis for aesthetic guidelines for projects that may be constructed in the future along I-35 between Rundberg Lane and Woodland Avenue.

The winning concept is influenced by themes found in and around the area of the Capitol building. It will provide the opportunity for individual projects to incorporate art, connectivity and nature throughout the design and will include visual elements like hardscape, retaining walls, lighting, landscape, railings, etc.  

The Texas Department of Transportation is working on safety and mobility improvements for I-35 through the Capital Area. This includes more than 40 projects planned to address congestion and enhance safety along and across I-35 without wholesale reconstruction of the corridor. More than 2,654 citizens participated in a public survey, and 2,530 voted on their favorite aesthetic concept on I-35 to ensure we improve not only the technical aspects of I-35 but the visual ones as well.

The I-35 Central Austin aesthetic guidelines will be applied to these future transportation improvement projects currently under development: Rundberg Lane to U.S. 290 East, including the St. John's bridge reconstruction; the Riverside Drive project, including Woodland Avenue and the Central7 project, which includes improvements between U.S. 183 and Riverside Drive. Actual project details will be subject to design constraints, funding availability and maintenance agreements with local partners.

An aesthetics plan helps promote a cohesive approach for aesthetic treatments along I-35 and ensures the project designs are as visually pleasing as possible, while prioritizing safety and mobility for all users. Aesthetics are only a fraction of total project costs and are part of every project and every project's budget.