Texas Department of Transportation — I-35 at 51st Street

When a large section of land on what used to belong to an airport was turned into a multi-use residential development, the Texas Department of Transportation knew they had to address the changing traffic needs at the intersection. The solution was a $16.5 million project that constructed a new roundabout, reconfigured both entrance and exit ramps, and created enhancements for bicyclists and pedestrians – which included raised crosswalks and safety beacons. Public involvement was key to keeping the traveling public informed about detours, lane closures and potential impacts both neighborhoods and businesses. Weekly traffic updates and a monthly construction newsletter were emailed to community members and project leads met with neighborhood associations to keep them on to date on the progress. The new roundabout has helped to move traffic at the intersection up to five times faster than before, helping to reduce travel times and provide a safer travel experience by investing in pedestrian and bicycle safety –helping create a more vibrant community with safety at the forefront.