Think traffic on Mopac is bad now? Imagine adding 30,000 more car trips per day!
Take a minute to consider how building an “Outer Loop” would impact Mopac and the region.
Currently, Mopac functions as a local commuter highway. All of that changes if the southern end of Mopac is connected to FM 1626 and I-35 by way of the proposed “State Highway 45 Southwest.” SH 45 SW, a remnant of TxDOT’s ill-conceived “Outer Loop” around Austin, is the last we thing we need to spend local money on.
Building out SH 45 SW as a non-tolled highway connecting to I-35 would put another 30,000 cars on Mopac every day, according to an estimate from the regional transportation planners.
Linking South Mopac to FM 1626 and I-35 via an “outer loop” around Austin hurts every single current Mopac commuter. Only developers and some commuters in Hays County and long-distance haulers will see any significant benefit. Their gain will be our pain . . . and we get to pay for it!
Making the “loop” on South Mopac means exposing neighborhoods to increased pollution and traffic. Paving the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Putting a highway through significant caves and endangered species habitat. Enabling sprawl development that will reduce available water supplies and open space. And robbing limited transportation funds from much higher priority local transportation needs.
Just say “No Thank You!!” to an Outer Loop for Mopac.
Send one message today to Austin and Travis County officials and tell them to protect Mopac commuters, Mopac corridor neighborhoods, and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer. Tell your friends and family to do the same.
Mopac was built for Austin commuters.
Let’s keep it that way!
