The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has chosen WSP, an engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, to provide engineering services for the 1.8-mi. I-35 Capital Express Central Downtown (CapEx-C Downtown) Corridor reconstruction through downtown Austin.
WSP will provide plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) for the downtown segment, which is part of TxDOT's expansive $4.5 billion, 8-mi. I-35 Capital Express Central Project.
The project will include a specific focus on enhancing safety and mobility throughout the CapEx-C corridor through a variety of means, including:
- Lowering the existing I-35 roadway and adding non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction;
- Connecting downtown Austin communities by reconstructing east-west cross-street bridges;
- Redesign of the CapMetro Red Line crossing at 4th Street to connect to the Austin Convention Center;
- Adding pedestrian and bicycle paths;
- Designing the infrastructure support for the "caps" funded by the city of Austin and the University of Texas at Austin, which could include deck parks to serve neighboring communities.
WSP will design the traffic control phasing for both the downtown and University of Texas segments of the highway and coordinate efforts with various ongoing design and construction projects along the CapEx Corridor. CapEx-C is targeting completion in 2032.
Photo courtesy of TxDOT
"Capital Express Central Downtown is a signature project for TxDOT," said Stephanie Messerli, senior vice president and Texas transportation leader of WSP. "It will enhance mobility in Austin and connect communities, improving safety and helping to alleviate congestion. The knowledge gained from WSP's recent work on the adjacent Capital Express Central Lady Bird Lake PS&E will play a critical role in creating a successful plan for the Capital Express Central Downtown segment."
The I-35 Capital Express Program project represents the first significant upgrade of the I-35 corridor since 1974. It includes three stand-alone projects — North, Central and South — and is part of TxDOT's wider Mobility35 Program that covers nearly 80 mi. of corridor through Williamson, Travis and Hays counties.
WSP has a history of successful transportation projects in Texas, including consultant for the Austin Airport Program Management Support; design consultant for the CapMetro new North Base Demand Response Facility; major interstate reconstruction projects that include lead designer for the recent completion of the 10-mi. Southern Gateway project in Dallas, lead engineer for the Dallas Horseshoe reconstruction project and design services for the Interstate 30 Dallas Canyon Interchange project; program manager/owner's representative in a joint venture for the 26-mi. Silver Line project for Dallas Area Rapid Transit; engineering consulting services for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, a design-build project to reconstruct 8.5-mi. of U.S. 183 South and convert a four-lane expressway into a six-lane tolled highway; and general engineering consultant for oversight on U.S. 183 North construction.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, an engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME's list of the world's best companies and Fortune's Change the World list, WSP brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper.
For more information, visit wsp.com.
