AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- North Austin commuters will finally get some long-awaited traffic relief this weekend, as the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority opens the new southbound 183 Express Lanes.
The $612 million project, which began construction in the spring of 2022, adds two express lanes in both directions between MoPac and State Highway 45 North along a 9-mile stretch of US 183.
Here is what drivers need to know ahead of the weekend opening:
How the Lanes Work
Variable Pricing: Similar to the MoPac Express Lane, the new southbound 183 Express Lanes will use dynamic, variable toll pricing based on traffic demand. The price displayed on the overhead signs before entering is the exact price you will pay.
Lane Design: The two new express lanes are located in the center of southbound U.S. 183 and are separated from the non-tolled general-purpose lanes by flexible delineator posts. (Note: Barrels will continue to block the entrances until the lanes officially open on Saturday).
Navigating the Exits Once traveling in the new southbound express lanes, drivers will have two distinct exit options depending on their destination:
Stay in the right lane to continue southbound until the express lanes merge back into the U.S. 183 general-purpose lanes. This route provides access to Burnet Road, Payton Gin Road, Lamar Boulevard, and Interstate 35.
Stay in the left lane to take the brand-new direct connector to MoPac. This flyover provides seamless access to the MoPac Express Lane as well as the southbound MoPac collector-distributor road.
Moving into Phase III
The Saturday launch represents the third phase of the multi-year mobility project's rollout.
“The opening of the express lanes on U.S. 183 began in a phased approach in early January in the northbound direction,” said James Bass, executive director for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA). “We are pleased to share that Phases I and II of the 183 North Mobility Project have been successfully completed, and we are now preparing to move into Phase III of the opening with the southbound express lanes and the southbound direct connector to MoPac.”