As part of the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance No. 20050519-008, the Watershed Protection Department identified needed storm water infrastructure improvements on East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (MLK) near the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) Red Line crossing. During heavy rain events, there is potential for this area to become impassable along MLK.
During the original construction of the Red Line, portions of needed storm water infrastructure improvements were constructed but not placed in service in anticipation of a future storm drain improvement project. This project incorporates the previously completed portions with new storm drain sections to complete a portion of the overall planned improvements. Also included in the project is a pedestrian hybrid beacon (crosswalk), new sidewalk, and other miscellaneous improvements.
Features
Phase 1
- Approximately 139 linear feet of concrete concrete box culvert
- 140 linear feet of bored water and wastewater main
- 635 linear feet of water and wastewater mains
- 6 manholes
- Sidewalk installation
- Pedestrian hybrid beacon (crosswalk)
Phase 2
- Installation of a new storm drain system
- 3,600 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipe
- An additional 1,200 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipe in varying section lengths
- 9 underground manufactured water quaility units
- 3,100 linear feet of 6-inch to 12-inch ductile iron pipe water main
- 2,200 linear feet of 6-inch to 12-inch PVC wastewater main
Project Status and Impact
The City’s contractor, M.A. Smith Contracting Company, began construction in early April, 2020. The anticipated construction completion is December 2021.
During most of the construction, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in both the east and westbound lanes on E. MLK Blvd but vehicles will always have access in either direction. Utility services will not be impacted by the project. The contractor’s working hours will be Mon-Sun from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Map
Funding
The project is funded from the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Capital Budget of the Watershed Protection Department
Total contract amount of $2.9 Million
Documents
Project Contacts
Laurie Thering, Project Manager, Public Works
Laurie.Thering@austintexas.gov
Matt Hart, Public Information, Public Works
Matthew.Hart@austintexas.gov
Glen Taffinder, Engineer, Watershed Protection
Glen.Taffinder@austintexas.gov