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Can Austin's roads keep up with its growth?

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Can Austin's roads keep up with its growth?


AUSTIN, Texas — As Texas continues to experience explosive growth, more pressure is on the state’s roadways to keep up.


What You Need To Know

  • Austin is among the fastest-growing areas in the U.S., expecting its population to double by 2050
  • The I-35 Capital Express Central Project focuses on major improvements to tackle congestion
  • Alongside new HOV lanes, the project enhances bike and pedestrian paths to improve safety and connectivity
  • Despite upcoming projects, experts acknowledge challenges in fully alleviating traffic congestion

Doise Miers has worked in transportation in Austin for more than a dozen years, but she says this is unlike anything she’s seen before.

“It’s one of the fastest growing areas in the country”, said Miers, adding that the Greater Austin area is expected to see the population double over the next 20 to 25 years. 

“We’ve gone from about 2 million people, and we are projected to be in the 4 to 4.5 million range in the year 2050,” Miers said.

Miers works for Austin’s Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). The group collaborates with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to study area roadways.

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Experts say traffic conditions in one part of the state can have a ripple effect, something Texans know all too well. The Interstate 35 downtown Austin corridor is one of the most congested areas in the state, according to TxDOT spokesperson Jeff Barker.

Over 10 million miles were traveled each day in 2023 by vehicles in Travis County alone, according to TxDOT’s annual roadway inventory data.

Barker explains that is why the second phase of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project is such a priority.

The Lady Bird Lake segment will add two non-toll HOV lanes, reconstruct the Lady Bird Lake bridge and create a pedestrian-only bridge at Woodland Avenue. The project also enhances bike and pedestrian paths.

“With it being the first major reconstruction of I-35 in nearly 50 years,” Barker says the project will bring much needed safety, mobility and connectivity improvements to the corridor. 

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Miers added that while projects like the one near Lady Bird Lake may not get rid of traffic congestion, these projects “are going to address the congestion, and help it not get any worse, even though we’re looking to double the population.”



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Austin, TX

Austin Police Warn of ‘Potential Illegal Public Street Takeover’

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Austin Police Warn of ‘Potential Illegal Public Street Takeover’


In a Monday evening X post, Austin police warned organizers against carrying out an “illegal public street takeover” called ATX vs. ICE.

“We are aware of a potential illegal public street takeover ‘ATX vs. ICE’ today, Feb. 6, and tomorrow, Feb. 7, 2026,” the post reads. “Austin Police Department will not tolerate reckless driving or illegal activity.”

Street takeovers are meetups where car enthusiasts perform tricks and stunts on public roadways. They are illegal and can result in property damage and spectators getting hurt.

The issue touched Austin back in February 2023, whena series of street takeover incidents in West Austin sparked outrage from then-Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon, Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw, and Travis County District Attorney José Garza. Seventeen individuals were arrested.

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The post continues, “Anyone participating in a street takeover will be subject to arrest, and their vehicle will be impounded.”

Last summer, Austin police put out a similar bulletin warning organizers against holding another planned street takeover, promising to punish any reckless driving. The event didn’t end up happening, but it’s not clear whether that was a direct result of the police bulletin.

Organizers generally promote the events with catchy, pop culture-fueled titles. “ATX vs. ICE” appears to be a reference to the ongoing conversation about APD’s coordination with federal immigration officials. Earlier this week, Austin ISD students joined regional walkouts protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.

As for non-participating community members, APD has a message for them too. “We urge community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” the post concludes. “Help us keep our streets safe.”



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Austin, TX

Study: Austin has the slowest housing market among 50 most populous U.S. cities

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Study: Austin has the slowest housing market among 50 most populous U.S. cities


AUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s housing market is proving that what goes up must come down. What was once one of the most booming cities in the U.S. has now slowed to a halt when it comes to real estate, according to a new study.

Real estate site Redfin named Austin the slowest market among 50 of the most populous metropolitan areas, comparing data from December 2024 to 2025. It’s a sharp drop from where the market stood during the COVID-19 pandemic, when out-of-state buyers were moving to the city in droves to scoop up real estate.

According to the study, Austin experienced the third biggest decline in home prices among major metro areas, with prices falling 4% in the studied timeframe. The city also had 128% more sellers than buyers in that time, the largest imbalance among the top 50 metros.

The typical Austin home took 106 days to sell on average, a 91-day increase from 2024. Redfin calls it the slowest December since 2012, with national average home sales taking place within 60 days in comparison.

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Redfin attributes the market fall to unsustainable price growth in recent years and a homebuilding boom, leaving the city with more renters than buyers.

It’s not all bad news, though. The drop in home sales means those currently looking to buy in Austin have more freedom to bargain and take their time to browse options and get the best price.

“I have a buyer who just offered $560,000 for a home that was listed at $599,000 and a few years ago would’ve been worth $700,000. There’s a pretty good chance the seller will say yes given how slow the market is. Another buyer I’m working with also made an offer on a house for below the list price and plans to bid on a different home if the seller doesn’t accept,” said local Redfin Premier real estate agent Andrew Vallejo.

In the meantime, Vallejo says many prospective buyers in Austin plan to continue renting until mortgage rates fall to 5% or lower.



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Austin, TX

Booker and Crump push No. 4 Texas over No, 5 LSU 77-64 as Longhorns run home win streak to 39

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Booker and Crump push No. 4 Texas over No, 5 LSU 77-64 as Longhorns run home win streak to 39


AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Madison Booker scored 18 points, Aaliyah Crump added 16 and No. 4 Texas used a big run at the start of the fourth quarter to pull away from No. 5 LSU for a 77-64 victory Thursday night.

Texas’ Kyla Oldacre scored four points in the 10-0 Texas run. Her layup with 5:01 left pushed the Texas lead to 15 and put the Longhorns in complete control the rest of the way.

Texas (22-2, 7-2 SEC) ran its home winning streak to 39 — tied with TCU for the longest active streak of its kind in the nation — with a victory that keeps the Longhorns within a game of first place in the Southeastern Conference. The Longhorns are 8-2 this season against ranked opponents.

Longhorns guard Rori Harmon had six steals to set the program’s career record. She now has 351, breaking the old mark of 346 set by Linda Waggoner from 1976-1980. Harmon is already the Texas career assists record.

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LSU (21-3, 7-3) had started 0-2 in league play before running off seven straight victories. But the Tigers scored well below their nation-leading average of 98.9 points per game against the Longhorns. Mikaylah Williams led LSU with 20 points.

Texas shot 51% in a frenetic first half that saw five lead changes over a two-minute span in the second quarter as the teams traded baskets. Booker scored 12 and Crump had 11 in the first half.

Justice Carlton scored Texas’ first seven points in the third as the Longhorns carried their four-point lead in to final period at 57-53.

LSU: Visits Auburn on Sunday.

Texas: Hosts No. 16 Kentucky on Monday.

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