Burnet Road Project Tackles Traffic and Drainage Woes

Construction to begin on major north Austin corridor with upgrades for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The City of Austin is launching a major construction project on Burnet Road, a key north-south corridor that sees up to 37,000 vehicles per day. The $45-$55 million project, funded by the 2016 Mobility Bond, will include ADA-compliant curb ramps, shared use paths, pedestrian hybrid beacons, intersection and traffic light upgrades, and drainage improvements to address long-standing flooding issues.

Why it matters

Burnet Road is a vital transportation artery connecting Cedar Park, Round Rock, and downtown Austin. With the growth of destinations like Q2 Stadium and The Domain, the road has become increasingly congested. This project aims to improve traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for all users - drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists - while also addressing chronic drainage problems that have plagued the corridor.

The details

The Burnet Road Corridor Project will span a 5-mile stretch from Koenig Lane to the MoPac Expressway. Key upgrades include dedicated bike lanes, more accessible transit stops, and intersection/signal timing improvements to enhance traffic flow. Drainage enhancements are designed to handle heavy rainfall events, addressing longstanding flooding issues raised by local residents.

  • Construction is set to begin next week on the Burnet Road project.
  • The portion near Q2 Stadium at Braker Lane will start this summer.
  • The overall project is expected to take several years to complete in phases.

The players

Anna Martin

Austin Transportation & Public Works

Eric Bailey

Austin Capital Delivery Services

Mike Rogers

Austin Assistant City Manager

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What they’re saying

“We actually began contemplating the future of this corridor back in 2011. That was when the domain was just an idea and getting started. We hadn't even contemplated Q2 yet, so so much has changed, but our plan for this corridor has been designed to meet the needs of today as well as future generations.”

— Anna Martin, Austin Transportation & Public Works (KXAN)

“People biking will have dedicated bike lanes instead of the striped bike lanes on the street. The transit stops will be more accessible, and drivers will also benefit from better traffic flow and improved signal timing through critical intersection upgrades.”

— Anna Martin, Austin Transportation & Public Works (KXAN)

“Neighbors raise concerns throughout the design process about flooding, standing water, and inaccessible sidewalks throughout the corridor. The new drainage system is designed to handle every storm from an afternoon shower to a hundred-year flood event.”

— Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services (KXAN)

What’s next

The portion of the Burnet Road project near Q2 Stadium at Braker Lane will begin construction this summer, with the overall multi-year project being completed in phases.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure investment on Burnet Road aims to address longstanding traffic, safety, and drainage issues in a rapidly growing part of north Austin. By upgrading the corridor for all users - drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists - the city hopes to improve mobility and accessibility while also preparing the road for continued development and population growth in the years ahead.