New innovative intersection to open in effort to reduce delay and congestion along SH 71

AUSTIN — Motorists will notice a few changes on SH 71 just past the airport starting Tuesday, February 19, when the Texas Department of Transportation officially rolls out its newest intersection design.

The traditional intersection at SH 71 and FM 973 in east Austin is being replaced with an innovative concept known as a Restricted Crossing U-Turn, better known as a Super Street. A Super Street re-routes the left-turn and through movements, requiring all motorists to turn right and make a U-turn at the next light.

“Benefits of this design concept are tremendous,” said Greg Malatek, Austin District Engineer. “The design will help reduce delay and congestion at this intersection by more than 40 percent, which makes the roadway safer for everyone.”

The first phase of construction includes temporarily prohibiting left-turns from SH 71 to FM 973 and to Fallwell Lane to allow crews to continue work in the center median. Once this work is completed, the intersection will operate in its full Super Street configuration.

To learn more about Austin’s newest Super Street, review the proposed design plan or watch a short demonstration on YouTube.

For more information, contact Kelli Reyna at (512) 832-7060.