Austin is set to implement safety improvements on Montopolis Drive in response to community feedback. The project, which will begin in spring 2026 and last 12-18 months, includes traffic signal upgrades, accessible ramps, curb bump-outs at intersections, sidewalks or shared-use paths, and new street lighting. These enhancements are based on a community survey that highlighted concerns about high vehicle speeds and the lack of protected bicycle lanes and safe pedestrian crossings. The deaths of two people on Montopolis Drive in the past year have underscored the need for these changes. Further recommendations for more substantial design changes are being developed.
This week marks National School Bus Safety Week and National Teen Driver Safety Week. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States. In Austin, 14.4 percent of those killed in crashes in 2024 were aged 16-25. Parents are encouraged to discuss safe driving habits with their teens.
For school bus safety, drivers should be alert around buses and obey stop signs when buses are loading or unloading children. Parents should also talk to their children about bus stop safety.
Upcoming events in Austin may affect traffic this weekend. The Austin Film Festival will lead to lane closures near Congress Avenue from October 23-30. Additionally, the Viva la Vida Festival and Parade on October 25 will result in road closures downtown as it celebrates Day of the Dead with a parade co-sponsored by Mexic-Arte Museum and the City of Austin.
The Bicycle Advisory Council will meet on October 21 at the Permitting and Development Center to advise on bicycle use matters.
For more information on these topics, visit PublicInput.com/MontopolisDrive or check NHTSA’s website for school bus safety tips.
Information from this article can be found here.
