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AUSTIN (KXAN) – “How do we make the transit as easy and smooth as possible?”
That’s one of the key questions about Project Connect, says Peter Mullan, Head of Architecture and Urban Development at Austin Transit Partnership. In addition to its security, accessibility and connectivity components, Project Connect is also an opportunity to create a cultural epicenter on Austin’s Fourth Street.
Austin voters approved the $ 7.1 billion Project Connect plan in the November 2020 election. The initiative envisages a massive expansion of the city’s local public transport.
“This is the most transformative thing that has happened to Austin in a long time,” said Jackie Nirenberg, director of community engagement and engagement at ATP.
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In the current project iterations, the Fourth Street mobility corridor would be the hub and meeting point of the blue, orange, red and green lines. Three subway stations – Republic Square Station, Congress Ave Station, and the Convention Center / Brush Square Station – would come together along Fourth Street.
As the transportation epicenter, Mullan identified the prospect of improvements in pedestrian access, shopping, cultural events and festivals on 4th Street, with direct access to public transportation.
“We believe Fourth Street can be one of the greatest streets in Austin,” he said.
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Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)![]()
Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)![]()
Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)
Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)
Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)
Preliminary drafts of 4th Street provide for walkable, pedestrian-friendly access to future subway stations as part of Project Connect. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)The designs for the three stations along Fourth Street are intended to connect the historic squares of Austin, Republic and Brush, with its civic landmarks and the infrastructure along Congress Avenue. Mullan also saw the opportunity to expand historical elements by combining local transport, retail and public facilities with these stations.
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“We have the opportunity to create a new urban landmark that combines local transportation with retail and public facilities, with potential office floors above,” he said.
All future rail lines will converge at Congress Avenue Station, with potential for retail, public facilities and office space. (Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)
Officials detailed a three-story transitway connecting the street, concourse and platform levels the length of Fourth Street. Elevators, escalators and stairs will be present at all important entrances, while on the second level, directly under the carriageway, there will be a continuous hall.
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Known features of the multi-story system highlight the inclusion of natural light from the streets at the top of the concourse, as well as multiple access points and lines of sight that guide users through the station.
Officials detailed a 3-story transitway connecting the street, concourse and platform levels the length of 4th Street.
(Courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership)
While the above-ground elements of 4th Street are within the right of way and jurisdiction of the city of Austin, ATP officials said Tuesday that it is working with city guides to work on these stations. No matter how subway stations and rail lines are built, above-ground improvements will be needed, Mullan said, adding that all planned amenities will be funded through Project Connect.
As for the future of vehicular traffic on 4th Street, Mullan said all ideas are preliminary but said the vision is to make the roadway as pedestrian friendly as possible. He said the details of the traffic management are tentative, but a change in vehicle traffic on the lane is likely.
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