Austin, TX
Austin leaders debate future of I-35 Cap & Stitch projects as new proposal cuts back spending
AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) – The future of long-planned Cap and Stitch projects over I-35 is under discussion in Austin, after a new proposal from Mayor Kirk Watson suggested reducing how much money the city spends on the projects.
City leaders originally approved $104 million to help fund future caps, deck plazas built over I-35 designed to reconnect east and west Austin with parks, green space and community areas.
Now, Watson’s proposal would focus on completing one fully built project sooner while lowering the city’s financial commitment.
Under Watson’s plan, the city would build a finished cap extending from Palm Park across I-35 to the east side. Unlike earlier concepts that focused mainly on preparing infrastructure for future projects, the mayor said this approach would allow residents to see a completed public space when the highway reconstruction wraps up.
“This is significant both because of its tie to park amenities and because of its tie to the history of Palm Park. Using this cap to reconnect this spot of Austin would be great. The estimated cost for this portion would be $41.3 million. This full project will be covered by the SIB loan,” said Watson.
Austin City Council Member Mike Siegel finds the proposal beneficial.
“I really support the mayor’s direction to reduce the city’s existing commitment, which is over $100 million, and basically cut that in half, and also to prioritize our investment to make sure we’re actually fully building out an entire Cap project instead of just building foundational elements that may or may not result in caps in some distant future,” said Siegel.
“From my point of view, we should be prioritizing our investments in things that help people right now,” said Siegel.
Not all city leaders agree with the revised approach.
In a joint response, council members including Ryan Alter, Natasha Harper-Madison, Zo Qadri, José Velásquez and Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela raised concerns about whether the smaller project would deliver enough community benefit.
The group argued the proposed stitch may be too small to meaningfully shield nearby neighborhoods from highway noise and pollution — one of the core goals of the larger cap vision.
“We appreciate the Mayor’s proposal, but feel it does not deliver enough benefits to justify the cost. The proposed stitch is too small to shield someone from the noise and negative effects of the highway underneath, a key element for a successful highway cap.. While we acknowledge the proposed stitch is cheaper than a cap, it is still $41 million dollars for a project with very few benefits,” they said in the response.
The proposal also calls for “future-proofing” possible caps near 11th and 12th streets.
Some East Austin businesses say reconnecting both sides of the city would be welcome but worry about the impacts construction could bring.
“35 is already kind of a lot to handle. So adding construction, I feel like that would be a deterrent initially for businesses. That makes me a little bit nervous,” said Elisabeth Miranda-Wagstaff, shop ambassador at Kindred Spirits.
“I’m sure it would be amazing, but I’m just a little nervous about, like, the whole process of execution,” said Miranda-Wagstaff.
Mayor Watson says he plans to bring this proposal up for discussion during the May 28th council meeting.
Police arrested several teens in connection with the series of shootings across Austin in May. A 17-year-old is facing multiple charges, including multiple counts related to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, theft of a firearm, evading arrest and other related offenses, Austin Police said.
Two teams who have never met on the diamond will face off with a chance to end the other’s season.
The No. 11 national seed Oregon Ducks will travel to Austin, Texas to face No. 6 national seed Texas in the Austin Super Regional at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The best-of-three series begins Saturday night and is shaping up to be a battle with a potential weather threat.
Both teams have momentum on their side.
Texas (43-13) swept through the Austin Regional, outscoring its opponents, 41-7. While Oregon (43-16) also dominated with three-straight wins over defeated rival Oregon State, Washington State and Yale to win the Eugene Regional.
The Ducks have recent postseason experience they can draw inspiration and lessons from: Oregon is one of three teams (North Carolina, West Virginia) that have advanced to the Supers in three of the last four seasons.
“I think the experience that they’ve had before should be able to help them in these rounds. And then leading in the College World Series, that’s a totally different discussion,” Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski said.
There are 16 teams left in the NCAA Tournament and only 8 teams will advance to the College World Series in Omaha. If Oregon wins Saturday night, the Ducks will be only one win away from punching their ticket to the CWS for the first time since 1954.
Saturday, June 6: 5:00 p.m. PT, ESPN
Sunday, June 7: 6:00 p.m. PT, ESPN
Monday, June 8: TBD – if necessary
Fans can alsotune into the Ducks’ radio broadcast to listen to the series on the Oregon Sports Network.
It’s prime time for the Ducks and Longhorns! Something to keep an eye on, the weather forecast is emerging as a potential thunderstorm and flood risk for first pitch on Saturday night.
Two Things Oregon Fans Should Know
Oregon is a confident team as they head to Austin and there are two things that Ducks fans should know.
First, The Ducks pitching staff has never been hotter. Over the last nine games, The Ducks staff has combined for a 1.81 ERA with a .191 batting average. Also notable, Oregon’s three starting pitchers have been even better with a 1.47 ERA allowing just nine runs in 49 innings.
Oregon will need every ounce of that pitching prowess as the Longhorns are dominating at the plate. During the Austin Regional, Texas combined to go .376/.493/.761 with 12 home runs. Aiden Robbins earned Most Outstanding Player honors after totaling a .429 average with four homers and nine RBI.
Second, the Ducks are a power threat of their own. Oregon has hit 104 home runs this season, which is second-most in program history, and ranks top-20 nationally in home runs and home runs per game.
Oregon’s bats must show up in Austin as Texas finished with a 2.00 ERA in its three-game sweep in the Austin Regional. Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski said it best when he said that Texas’ pitchers are “putting up video game numbers.”
QUOTABLE
“These other guys are just absolute animals when it comes to their training, so it’s no surprise that they’re having postseason success,” Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski said during the Eugene Regional.
“Our preparation is just going to be about what we’ve done the entire year. We think it’s working, and it’s probably more about just enjoying the time together, because there’s teams right now that are taking the jerseys off, and that’s obviously something that we’ve been blessed with this year with this group of guys from the start. It’s a pretty special group in that locker room, and these guys can attest to that,” he continued.
If Oregon’s “special group” can pull off the upset in Texas, the Ducks will make history and have a chance to battle vs. the best in baseball for the national championship.
The College World Series begins on Friday, June 12, at Charles Schwab Field Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Austin, TX
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin Brings Certified Vehicle Maintenance Directly to Customers Through Ford Mobile Service
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is making vehicle maintenance more convenient for drivers across Austin by offering Ford Mobile Service. Factory-trained technicians perform routine maintenance and select repairs at homes and workplaces, helping customers save time while maintaining their vehicles with professional Ford-certified service.
— AUSTIN, TX – Busy schedules no longer have to interfere with vehicle maintenance. Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is helping drivers throughout Austin and surrounding communities keep their vehicles running at their best with Ford Mobile Service, a convenient program that brings certified automotive service directly to customers’ homes and workplaces.
As more consumers search for mobile auto repair, at-home oil changes, mobile vehicle maintenance, and convenient car service solutions, Ford Mobile Service is changing how routine vehicle care is delivered. Rather than spending time traveling to a dealership and waiting for service to be completed, eligible customers can schedule a visit from a factory-trained Ford technician who arrives equipped to perform a variety of maintenance services on-site.
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin’s Mobile Service program offers many of the same services typically performed at the dealership, including oil and filter changes, brake service, battery replacement, tire rotations, recall work, fluid services, filter replacement, diagnostic scanning, software updates, lamps and bulb replacement, and more. Service availability may vary based on vehicle needs and location requirements.
For drivers throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Lakeway, Buda, and neighboring communities, mobile service provides a practical alternative to traditional service appointments. Customers can continue working, spending time with family, or managing daily responsibilities while their vehicle receives professional maintenance at a location of their choice.
The service is especially valuable for owners of Ford F-150 trucks, Ford Super Duty models, Ford Bronco SUVs, Ford Explorer SUVs, Ford Escape crossovers, Ford Mustang vehicles, and commercial fleet vehicles that may experience downtime when taken off the road for maintenance. By bringing service directly to customers, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin helps minimize disruptions while maintaining vehicle performance and reliability.
Mobile vehicle maintenance continues to gain popularity as consumers prioritize convenience, flexibility, and time savings. Leif Johnson Ford of Austin’s certified technicians are Ford factory-trained and qualified to perform maintenance and repairs using professional diagnostic equipment and manufacturer-recommended procedures.
Customers can schedule Ford Mobile Service by contacting Leif Johnson Ford of Austin directly or through the FordPass App, which also allows eligible users to earn FordPass Rewards Points on qualifying service and maintenance visits.
As demand grows for mobile mechanic services in Austin, mobile oil changes, mobile brake service, and convenient vehicle maintenance solutions, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin continues to expand customer-focused programs designed to simplify vehicle ownership while delivering the quality service Ford owners expect.
Drivers interested in learning more about Ford Mobile Service can contact Leif Johnson Ford of Austin to determine eligibility, service availability, and scheduling options for their location.
About Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Leif Johnson Ford of Austin is a premier Ford dealership serving drivers throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Buda, and the greater Central Texas region. Located at 501 E. Koenig Lane in Austin, the dealership offers a comprehensive selection of new Ford vehicles, quality pre-owned inventory, financing solutions, genuine Ford parts, and certified automotive service. Through innovative programs such as Ford Mobile Service, Leif Johnson Ford of Austin continues to provide convenient, customer-focused solutions designed to enhance the vehicle ownership experience.
Contact Info:
Name: Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Email: Send Email
Organization: Leif Johnson Ford of Austin
Address: 501 E Koenig Ln #2, Austin, TX 78751
Phone: +15125984480
Website: https://www.leifjohnsonford.com
Release ID: 89194096
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