Loop 360 - Capital of Texas Highway
Loop 360 provides primary access to far west Austin, acting as a thoroughfare for residents and as a commuter route for those living and working along the highway and those passing through. It provides access to a major Lake Austin boat ramp as well as Travis County greenbelts. The scenic highway is also a popular recreational bike route.
In 2014, Loop 360 was the 98th most congested road in Texas with over 155,000 annual hours of delay per mile. It is particularly congested during “rush hour,” taking over 60 percent longer to travel during peak travel periods than during normal, free-flow conditions.
From 2014-2016, TxDOT conducted a feasibility study to identify potential improvements on Loop 360 from US 290/SH 71 to North MoPac (Loop 1). The input gathered through these efforts was incorporated into each phase of the study, including the identification of problems and potential solutions, as well as the evaluation, refinement and presentation of solutions.
Learn more about the 2014 feasibility study by visiting the “More Information” section below.
In 2018, TxDOT, in partnership with the city of Austin, began the next phase of work on Loop 360 to improve safety and mobility in the corridor. The program will upgrade intersections along the roadway. These improvements will collectively provide substantial benefits for congestion relief. Visit the Loop 360 program website for more information about the current improvements underway.
Get involved
TxDOT wants to hear about community needs, concerns, and ideas for the future of Loop 360. Information gathered from the community will guide future planning. Participation opportunities include:
- Public workshops: Loop 360 has been divided into six sections generally corresponding with major intersection groupings along the corridor. TxDOT is holding public workshops along the corridor to present proposed improvements and get feedback.
- Virtual Public Workshop: MoPac to RM 2244 – July 8, 2020
- Public Workshop: Walsh Tarlton Lane – Aug. 8, 2019
- Public Workshop Lakewood Drive and Spicewood Springs - June 6, 2019
- Public Workshop Westlake Drive - April 23, 2019
- Public Workshop Courtyard Drive/ RM 2222 - March 7, 2019
- Public Workshop Spicewood Springs Road - Nov. 13, 2018
- Public Workshop Westlake Drive - Sept. 20, 2018
- Public hearing: TxDOT hosted the following virtual public hearing with an in-person option for the community to provide input on the proposed project.
- Public comments: Written public comments will be accepted and addressed throughout the study process. Comments may be submitted online or mailed to:
Project Manager Loop 360 Program Texas Department of Transportation - Austin District P.O. Box 15426 Austin, TX 78761-5426
- Mailing List: Sign up for the Loop 360 mailing list to receive updates on important study milestones and public input opportunities.
Loop 360 program history
The feasibility study took a grassroots approach by involving groups and individuals throughout the community. The purpose of the study was to identify needs and gather ideas and feedback about potential safety and mobility improvements within the Loop 360 corridor. Stakeholders reviewed an array of improvement options to meet rapidly growing traffic demands.
The study solicited comments from all potentially impacted interests, including commuters, adjacent property owners, businesses, environmentalists, bicyclists and neighborhood associations. It considered and addressed issues related to potential aesthetic and environmental impacts, home values, bicycles/pedestrians and other issues identified through stakeholder input.
The Loop 360 Improvement Study was conducted using a four-step process that engaged stakeholders on an ongoing basis: