South Austin's MoPac South Project Moves Forward With $825M Plan

The project aims to add more express lanes and improve pedestrian and cyclist access.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has released the results of an environmental study for the MoPac South Project, which would add express lanes, widen shoulders, and create a path for pedestrians and cyclists along an 8-mile stretch of MoPac Expressway in South Austin. The $825 million project is expected to help address growing traffic congestion in the region as the population continues to rise.

Why it matters

The MoPac South Project is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving mobility and transportation options in the rapidly growing Austin metropolitan area. By adding express lanes and improving pedestrian and cyclist access, the project seeks to alleviate traffic congestion and provide more reliable travel times along a heavily-used corridor.

The details

The MoPac South Project would add express lanes similar to the existing ones running north from downtown Austin. It would also widen shoulders and create a path for pedestrians and cyclists from Lady Bird Lake to Slaughter Lane. The environmental study found that doing nothing to expand the highway will lead to worsening congestion as the population of Travis and Hays counties is expected to grow by 85% in the next 20 years.

  • The public comment period for the project opens on March 9, 2026 and runs through May 3, 2026.
  • An in-person public hearing about the project will be held on March 24, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bowie High School.

The players

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority

The agency responsible for managing the MoPac South Project and conducting the environmental study.

James Bass

The executive director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

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What they’re saying

“'Public involvement has significantly shaped the MoPac South Environmental Study and Build Alternative to create a project intended to provide benefits for all types of users.'”

— James Bass, Executive Director, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (kvue.com)

What’s next

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess potential impacts to endangered species in the project area.

The takeaway

The MoPac South Project represents a major investment in Austin's transportation infrastructure, aiming to improve mobility and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as the region continues to grow rapidly. The project's environmental study indicates it can be implemented without significant environmental impacts, paving the way for construction to move forward.