The City of Austin is moving into the next phase of its I-35 feasibility study. This project, known as the cap-and-stitch project, is a plan to build a deck plaza that covers lanes of traffic with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and more. The rationale behind this proposal is that it would improve Austin’s quality of life by reducing noise and air pollution, providing more green space, and improving pedestrian safety. In addition, the project would create a new center for economic activity and could potentially lead to the redevelopment of other areas along I-35. While the project is still in the early stages of planning, it has the potential to transform Austin’s downtown area and improve the city’s overall quality of life.
Austin’s history is intertwined with the development of the Interstate Highway System. In the 1950s, Austin was divided into two parts by the highway. The Mexicans and blacks were on the east side of the highway, while the rich were on the west side, and the city has been segregated ever since. The I-35 Capital Express Central Project is the latest example of Austin’s racist infrastructure with a disregard for Latinos and blacks. The project will add two new express lanes to I-35, forcing people in East Austin to lose their homes. Projects like this have the potential to continue displacing Latino and black families from their homes for years to come unless careful study of alternatives to widening I-35 is pursued. Forcing families out of their homes does not just upend their lives but also destroys communities built over generations. Displacement would only exacerbate Austin’s segregation problem and further entrench economic inequality in the city.
Austin, the capital of Texas, has a long history dating back to 1839 when it was founded as the new capital of the Republic of Texas. Austin has been an important center of government, politics, culture, and commerce. In recent years, Austin’s population has exploded due in part to its strong economy. This growth has strained
the city’s infrastructure, particularly its transportation system. Austin is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to address this issue on a significant expansion project, a $4.9 billion investment.
Austin’s history is one of segregation. East Austin was historically home to the city’s Latino and black populations, while West Austin was home to wealthy, white residents. Over time, this segre
gation has only increased, as gentrification has forced many black and Latino residents out of East Austin. Meanwhile, the city has continued to invest in West Austin, creating a stark inequality between the two sides of town. The 4.9 billion dollar project claims to bring East and West Austin together finally, but it does little to address the root causes of inequality in the city. If Austin wants to create equality between the people in West Austin and East Austin, they need to start by investing in education in East Austin instead of building a park above a highway. Only then will they begin to erase the segregation that has divided the city for so long.
The I-35 Capital Express Central Project, which is currently underway, entails the construction of two new managed lanes in each direction on I-35 through downtown Austin. In addition, the project will include the reconstruction of several vital interchanges and the expansion of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
By Diane Revilla
