CONSTRUCTION UPDATE MAY 24, 2019

The TRUSS (Temporary / Relocated / Utility /Structural / Support) has been installed across Congress Avenue to serve as a conduit for the chiller water lines, water lines and utilities lines that serve the LBJ, SFA and Travis buildings. This TRUSS and its piping were designed specifically for this project by Cobb-Fendley and its team (Brierley Associates, MWM DesignGroup, and Burns & McDonnell). It was manufactured in Dripping Springs and is 152 feet long and weighs 166,000 pounds. Because of its enormous size and weight, it was brought to the site in three sections and welded in place. The TRUSS will be in place until all the excavation is completed and the utility lines rerouted.

Closed Crosswalks:

• Closed: MLK east bound crosswalk over Congress Avenue (in front of Bullock Museum)
• Closed: The eastern crosswalk over MLK at Congress (This is the Construction Zone exit.)
• Closed: East bound sidewalk along MLK from Brazos and at San Jacinto.
• Closed: South bound sidewalk along Brazos from MLK to 18th street.
• Closed: West side crosswalk over MLK at San Jacinto.
• Closed: Both crosswalks over MLK at Brazos are closed. Use the eastern crosswalk at San Jacinto to cross over MLK. Please do not walk in the bike lanes or the street.

See the Safe Sidewalk Routes Map on wayfinding signboards at most intersections for best options.

Lane closures for utility work will continue through early June.

• Closed: South bound lane of San Jacinto from MLK to 18th street. Sidewalk and bike lane also closed. (ERS project)
• Intermittent Closures: East bound lane of MLK from Congress to San Jacinto will be closed for utility work. (Watch out for closures of the southside bike lane too.)

EXTRA Caution Required:

• NEW truck route: The ERS construction site is now active. Commercial vehicles will enter traveling south on San Jacinto at MLK. Trucks will exit south bound on San Jacinto at 18th Street.

The construction exit at Congress & MLK will be expanding soon. Look out for flagmen directing approximately two hundred 18 wheelers per day leaving the construction zone. Haulers will be entering the area from 15th Street (southbound) or on 17th Street (eastbound) between Colorado and Congress. (Only buses to the museum should be using Congress Avenue from MLK to 18th street.)

• 1801 Congress (site across from the Bullock): The foundation contractor is preparing the site for the next phase of work. Cranes will be installed this summer.
  1601 Congress: Drilling and excavation will continue through mid-September.
• Colorado Street: Utility work will cause lane closures between 16th and 17th Streets. Watch out for crews working on the new traffic signal that will be installed at Colorado & MLK.
• Guadalupe & MLK: Watch out for construction on the south side of this intersection. Capitol Metro and the City of Austin are building a contra-flow bus lane at that corner. Read about this project here.

Important Safety Reminders

San Jacinto cross walks: The crosswalks on San Jacinto from MLK to 15th streets have been repainted. Traffic pylons have been added to the crosswalk at 18th and 17th streets.

Expect Heavy Traffic near the Erwin Center: Be extra cautious around the Erwin Center these next few days as thousands of families come together to celebrate graduations. Parking snarls, hordes of pedestrians, ride share cars, and of course scooters will be everywhere. Please use the crosswalks, be patient, and slow down.

Note: State parking garages are reserved for State workers from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be available for a paid public parking after hours. Plan accordingly.

Frank Erwin Center Graduation Schedule

• Friday, May 24, 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
  • UT Business 8 am, Liberal Arts 11:30 am,
    Communications 3 pm, Engineering 7 pm
• Tuesday, May 28, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • High Schools: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm
• Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 AM – 7:00 pm
  • High Schools: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm
• Thursday, May 30, 7:00 pm
  • Westlake H.S.
• Friday, May 31, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • High Schools: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm

DO NOT walk in the bike lanes on MLK between Brazos and Congress. Bike lanes are reserved for bikes. Please watch out for cyclists in the bike lanes and around the Complex.

Go Slow: Use slower speeds around the Capitol Complex and especially near construction entrances and exits.

DO NOT ENTER THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Please respect the flagmen as they direct construction traffic in and out of the work area.

Use the Safe Sidewalks: Follow the “yellow brick road” sidewalk routes: Look for updated wayfinding signs throughout the Capitol Complex. The signs include the Safe Sidewalk Routes Map and directions for travel around the Complex. (Download a map here.)