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{{Infobox road
{{Infobox road
|state=TX
|state=TX
|type=BothLoop
|type=Loop Dual
|route=1
|route=1
|alternate_name=MoPac Expressway
|alternate_name=MoPac Expressway
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|map_notes=Loop 1 highlighted in red
|map_notes=Loop 1 highlighted in red
|length_mi=25.698
|length_mi=25.698
|length_ref=<ref name="Loop 1">{{TxDOT|SL|1|accessdate= March 24, 2013}}</ref>
|length_ref=<ref name="Loop 1">{{TxDOT|SL|1|access-date= March 24, 2013}}</ref>
|established=1967
|established=1967
|direction_a=South
|direction_a=South
Line 28: Line 28:
}}
}}


'''Loop 1''' is a [[controlled-access highway|freeway]] which provides access to the west side of [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] in the U.S. state of [[Texas]]. It is named '''Mopac Expressway''' (or, according to some highway signs, '''Mopac Boulevard''') after the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]] (or "MoPac"). Local residents almost always use the name "MoPac" rather than calling the road by its number,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/a/StreetNames.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025024811/http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/a/StreetNames.htm |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/26/austin-slang/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120201434/http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/26/austin-slang |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> which can cause much confusion, for few signs along the road use this name.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alwaysaustin.com/2011/04/deciphering-austin-street-names/?doing_wp_cron=1325493261 |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085507/http://www.alwaysaustin.com/2011/04/deciphering-austin-street-names/?doing_wp_cron=1325493261 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yelp.com/topic/austin-mopac-expressway-just-wondering |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035005/http://www.yelp.com/topic/austin-mopac-expressway-just-wondering |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Loop 1''' is a [[controlled-access highway|freeway]] which provides access to the west side of [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] in the U.S. state of [[Texas]]. It is named '''Mopac Expressway''' (or, according to some highway signs, '''Mopac Boulevard''') after the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]] (or "MoPac"). Local residents almost always use the name "MoPac" rather than calling the road by its number,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/a/StreetNames.htm |title=Confusing Road Names in Austin |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025024811/http://austin.about.com/od/gettingaroundaustin/a/StreetNames.htm |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/26/austin-slang/ |title=Austin Slang - AOL Travel News |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120201434/http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/26/austin-slang |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> which can cause much confusion, for few signs along the road use this name.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alwaysaustin.com/2011/04/deciphering-austin-street-names/?doing_wp_cron=1325493261 |title=Decipher Austin streets &#124; Always Austin |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085507/http://www.alwaysaustin.com/2011/04/deciphering-austin-street-names/?doing_wp_cron=1325493261 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yelp.com/topic/austin-mopac-expressway-just-wondering |title=MoPac Expressway. Just wondering &#124; Austin &#124; Yelp |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035005/http://www.yelp.com/topic/austin-mopac-expressway-just-wondering |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>


The original section of the highway was built in the 1970s along the [[right-of-way (railroad)|right-of-way]] of the Missouri Pacific Railroad (now owned by [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]]), with the railroad tracks running in the highway [[Central reservation|median]] between West 8th Street and Northland Drive. To the north, the tracks run along the east side of newer sections of the highway from Northland Drive to Braker Lane.
The original section of the highway was built in the 1970s along the [[right-of-way (railroad)|right-of-way]] of the Missouri Pacific Railroad (now owned by [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]]), with the railroad tracks running in the highway [[Central reservation|median]] between West 8th Street and Northland Drive. To the north, the tracks run along the east side of newer sections of the highway from Northland Drive to Braker Lane.


==History==
==History==
{{see also|List of state highway spurs in Texas (1–99)#Spur 1}}

===Route designation===
===Route designation===
The first mention of Loop&nbsp;1 in public record was in 1929. In 1944, the City of Austin Planning Commission (CMAC) proposed that the highway be built in parts of the under-utilized right of way owned by the MoPac Railroad. Thus, the highway was eventually given the nickname "MoPac" for its proximity to the railroad. The current Loop&nbsp;1 was designated on October 27, 1967, from [[U.S. Highway 290 in Texas|US&nbsp;290]] northward to [[Farm to Market Road&nbsp;1325]] (FM&nbsp;1325).<ref name="statesman1967">{{cite news|title=Proposed MoPac Boulevard Is Designated as Loop No. 1|work=Austin Statesman|date=October 31, 1967|id={{ProQuest|1515952796}}}} {{subscription required}}</ref> On October 24, 1985, the designation was extended southward from US&nbsp;290 to SH&nbsp;45.<ref name="Loop 1"/>
[[Image:Texas Spur 1.svg|50px|left]]
The first mention of Loop 1 came to public record in 1929. In 1944, the City of Austin Planning Commission (CMAC) proposed the highway be built in parts of the under-utilized right of way owned by the MoPac railroad. Thus, the highway was eventually given the nickname "MoPac" for its proximity to the railroad. The number was originally used for '''Spur 1''' designated on September 26, 1939 from [[U.S. Route 90 in Texas|US Highway&nbsp;90]] (US&nbsp;90) to the [[Uvalde, Texas|Uvalde]] fish hatchery as a renumbering of [[Texas State Highway 3|SH 3 Spur]]. This route was cancelled on December 16, 1943. On March 26, 1958, a new route was designated, also called Spur 1, from [[U.S. Route 80 Alternate (Texas)|US 80A]] to [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]]. This route became part of [[Texas State Highway Loop 16|Loop&nbsp;16]] on July 31, 1964, which itself got cancelled on June 26, 1974 when it was transferred to rerouted US 62 and US 85.<ref name="Loop 1" /> Loop 1 was first designated on October 27, 1967, from [[U.S. Highway 290 in Texas|US&nbsp;290]] northward to [[Farm to Market Road&nbsp;1325]] (FM&nbsp;1325). On October 24, 1985, the designation was extended southward from US&nbsp;290 to SH&nbsp;45.<ref name="Loop 1"/>


===Expressway construction (1969 to 2006)===
===Expressway construction (1969 to 2006)===
This table contains the dates of the construction of segments of the road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/documents/Draft%20EA/Chapter%201%20Introduction.pdf |format=PDF |title=Introduction: Mopac Improvement Project, April 2012 |accessdate=April 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/loop1/ |title=The MoPac 1 Project will study feasibility of managed lanes for Loop&nbsp;1, and included in the Mobility 2030 Plan that was adopted by CAMPO in June 2005 |accessdate=June 1, 2005 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060223004217/http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/loop1/ |archivedate=February 23, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What Native American tribe was most common in the area? |publisher=Texas Department of Transportation |url=http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507190843/http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |archivedate=May 7, 2010}}</ref>
This table contains the dates of the construction of segments of the road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/documents/Draft%20EA/Chapter%201%20Introduction.pdf |title=Introduction: Mopac Improvement Project, April 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/loop1/ |title=The MoPac 1 Project will study feasibility of managed lanes for Loop&nbsp;1, and included in the Mobility 2030 Plan that was adopted by CAMPO in June 2005 |access-date=June 1, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060223004217/http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/loop1/ |archive-date=February 23, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What Native American tribe was most common in the area? |publisher=Texas Department of Transportation |url=http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |access-date=January 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507190843/http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |archive-date=May 7, 2010}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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==Route description==
==Route description==
[[Image:Mopac Expressway.jpg|right|thumb|A stretch of Loop 1 over the Hancock Drive bridge, looking north-northwest. The Union Pacific railway is visible in the foreground.]]
[[Image:Mopac Expressway.jpg|right|thumb|A stretch of Loop 1 over the Hancock Drive bridge, looking north-northwest. The Union Pacific railway is visible in the foreground.]]
Loop 1's southern terminus is at the beginning of the [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|State Highway 45]] stub south of Austin. It passes through the [[Circle C Ranch]] housing development and the [[Edwards Aquifer]] and intersects [[State Highway 71 (Texas)|SH 71]]/[[U.S. Highway 290 (Texas)|US 290]] (Ben White Boulevard) and [[State Highway Loop 360 (Texas)|Loop 360]] (Capital of Texas Highway). It crosses the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] near downtown Austin; the view of the [[Texas State Capitol]] from the bridge became one of the [[Texas Capitol View Corridors|Capitol View Corridors]] protected under state and local law from obstruction by tall buildings in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |title=Downtown Development and Capitol View Corridors |publisher=Downtown Austin Commission |date=June 27, 2007 |format=PDF |url=https://icma.org/sites/default/files/301744_Downtown%20Development%20Comission%20Report.pdf |accessdate=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115015410/https://icma.org/sites/default/files/301744_Downtown%20Development%20Comission%20Report.pdf |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> North of the river, the highway runs parallel to the [[Balcones Fault]] and the [[Missouri-Pacific Railroad]] before intersects [[U.S. Highway 183 (Texas)|US 183]] (Research Boulevard) northwest of downtown. Loop 1 travels concurrently with Farm to Market Road 1325 for several miles before the non-tolled freeway ends at Parmer Lane, spanning a distance of {{convert|22.061|mi|km}}.
Loop 1's southern terminus is at the beginning of the [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|State Highway 45]] stub south of Austin. It passes through the [[Circle C Ranch]] housing development and the [[Edwards Aquifer]] and intersects [[State Highway 71 (Texas)|SH 71]]/[[U.S. Highway 290 (Texas)|US 290]] (Ben White Boulevard) and [[State Highway Loop 360 (Texas)|Loop 360]] (Capital of Texas Highway). It crosses the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] near downtown Austin; the view of the [[Texas State Capitol]] from the bridge became one of the [[Texas Capitol View Corridors|Capitol View Corridors]] protected under state and local law from obstruction by tall buildings in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |title=Downtown Development and Capitol View Corridors |publisher=Downtown Austin Commission |date=June 27, 2007 |url=https://icma.org/sites/default/files/301744_Downtown%20Development%20Comission%20Report.pdf |access-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115015410/https://icma.org/sites/default/files/301744_Downtown%20Development%20Comission%20Report.pdf |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> North of the river, the highway runs parallel to the [[Balcones Fault]] and the [[Missouri-Pacific Railroad]] (Union Pacific) before it intersects [[U.S. Highway 183 (Texas)|US 183]] (Research Boulevard) northwest of downtown. Loop 1 travels concurrently with Farm to Market Road 1325 for several miles before the non-tolled freeway ends at Parmer Lane, spanning a distance of {{convert|22.061|mi|km}}.


Loop&nbsp;1 is designated a scenic roadway by the City of Austin.<ref name="Austin Code 25-10-7">{{cite web|title=Code of Ordinances § 25-10-7|url=https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT25LADE_CH25-10SIRE_ART1GEPR_S25-10-7SCRODE|publisher=City of Austin|via=Municode|access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref>

=== Major construction projects ===

==== Loop 1 Toll ====
North of Parmer Lane, Loop 1 continues as a limited-access [[toll road]] to the [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45 North]]/Loop 1 interchange, spanning {{convert|3|mi|km}}. Frontage roads flank either side of the toll road to Merrilltown Drive.
North of Parmer Lane, Loop 1 continues as a limited-access [[toll road]] to the [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45 North]]/Loop 1 interchange, spanning {{convert|3|mi|km}}. Frontage roads flank either side of the toll road to Merrilltown Drive.


The [[TxDOT|Texas Department of Transportation]] completed construction of the tollway as part of the [[Central Texas Turnpike Project|2002 Central Texas Turnpike Project (CTTP)]]. [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45 North]], also part of the project, provides freeway access to [[Interstate 35 (Texas)|Interstate 35]] from Loop 1. The 2002 CTTP was scheduled to be completed in September 2007. However, certain sections of the project, including Loop 1 opened early and more than $100 million under budget.
The [[TxDOT|Texas Department of Transportation]] completed construction of the tollway as part of the [[Central Texas Turnpike Project|2002 Central Texas Turnpike Project (CTTP)]]. [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45 North]], also part of the project, provides freeway access to [[Interstate 35 (Texas)|Interstate 35]] from Loop 1. The 2002 CTTP was scheduled to be completed in September 2007. However, certain sections of the project, including Loop 1 opened early and more than $100 million under budget.


If and when [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45]] is completed to the south of Austin, Loop 1 will effectively serve as a true loop to the west of the city, being directly connected to SH 45, and indirectly to I-35, at both ends.
If and when [[State Highway 45 (Texas)|SH 45]] is completed to the south of Austin between [[FM 1626]] and [[Interstate 35 in Texas|I-35]], Loop 1 will effectively serve as a full western loop to the city, being directly connected to SH 45 (and indirectly to I-35) at both ends.

====MoPac Improvement Project====
{{Infobox road small
|state=TX
|type=Loop-Express
|route=1
|alternate_name=Mopac Improvement Project
|location=[[Austin, Texas|Austin]]
|formed=2017
}}
Since 1994, TxDOT has proposed the addition of [[managed lanes]] to portions of Loop 1. The MoPac Improvement Project<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/ |title=MoPac Improvement Project |access-date=February 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230191041/http://www.mopacexpress.com/ |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> was relaunched in July 2010 by the [[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority|Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)]]. In December 2010, four alternative proposals were presented to the public, each of which would add one or more lanes; the "no-build" alternative was also presented.
The additions would not increase the right-of-way of the highway, but would be created by reducing the width of existing lanes and reducing and/or eliminating shoulders. An environmental study was completed in August 2012 with a [[Finding Of No Significant Impact]] and a recommendation of one new travel lane in each direction, operated as express lanes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ham |first1=Justin |title=Finding |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/about/files/MoPacFONSI0823121.pdf |website=MoPac Improvement Project |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Texas Division |access-date=September 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510150936/http://www.mopacexpress.com/about/files/MoPacFONSI0823121.pdf |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Construction began in 2013, and was originally scheduled for completion in September 2015, but by August 2016, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced further delays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jechow |first1=Andy |title=Weather, paving corrections push back North MoPac opening date|url=http://kxan.com/2016/08/25/paving-corrections-push-back-north-mopac-opening-date/|access-date=September 5, 2016|work=KXAN-TV|date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829111941/http://kxan.com/2016/08/25/paving-corrections-push-back-north-mopac-opening-date/|archive-date=August 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The first of four tolled sections, specifically the northbound toll lane from RM 2222 to Parmer Lane, opened on October 17, 2016. The remainder of the northbound express lane, from Cesar Chavez Street to [[Farm to Market Road 734|Parmer Lane]], opened on October 7, 2017, and the entire southbound express lane opened on October 28, 2017.


===MoPac Improvement Project===
====MoPac Intersections Project====
In 2013, CTRMA and TxDOT initiated an environmental study to analyze the best options to improve the MoPac intersections at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue. In December 2015, the study was completed with a Finding Of No Significant Impact for the project, which allowed it to move forward.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacsouth.com/about/mopac-intersections.php |title=About MoPac Intersections |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219091010/http://www.mopacsouth.com/about/mopac-intersections.php |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The selected design included replacing the at-grade intersection at Slaughter Lane with a [[diverging diamond interchange|diverging diamond interchange (DDI)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRs_ncEMkCY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/TRs_ncEMkCY |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=MoPac South: Diverging Diamond Interchange Simulation |publisher=[[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority]] |date=April 16, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and the at-grade intersection at La Crosse Avenue with a [[diamond interchange]]. The project broke ground in January 2018 with Webber, LLC as the general contractor.
Since 1994, TxDOT has proposed the addition of [[managed lanes]] to portions of Loop 1. The MoPac Improvement Project<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/ |title=MoPac Improvement Project |access-date=February 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230191041/http://www.mopacexpress.com/ |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> was relaunched in July 2010. In December 2010, four alternative proposals were presented to the public, each of which would add one or more lanes; the "no-build" alternative was also presented.
The additions would not increase the right-of-way of the highway, but would be created by reducing the width of existing lanes and reducing and/or eliminating shoulders. An environmental study was completed in August 2012 with a [[Finding Of No Significant Impact]] and a recommendation of one new travel lane in each direction, operated as express lanes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ham |first1=Justin |title=Finding |url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/about/files/MoPacFONSI0823121.pdf |website=MoPac Improvement Project |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Texas Division |accessdate=September 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510150936/http://www.mopacexpress.com/about/files/MoPacFONSI0823121.pdf |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Construction began in 2013, and was originally scheduled for completion in September 2015, but by August 2016, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced further delays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jechow |first1=Andy |title=Weather, paving corrections push back North MoPac opening date|url=http://kxan.com/2016/08/25/paving-corrections-push-back-north-mopac-opening-date/|accessdate=September 5, 2016|work=KXAN-TV|date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829111941/http://kxan.com/2016/08/25/paving-corrections-push-back-north-mopac-opening-date/|archive-date=August 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The first of four tolled sections, specifically the northbound toll lane from RM 2222 to Parmer Lane, opened on October 17, 2016. The remainder of the northbound express lane, from Cesar Chavez Street to [[Farm to Market Road 734|Parmer Lane]], opened on October 7, 2017, and the entire southbound express lane opened on October 28, 2017.


On August 10, 2018, the at-grade Slaughter Lane intersection was rerouted to the south as construction began on an overpass bridge on the original alignment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kxan.com/news/local/travis-county/traffic-alert-construction-to-close-slaughter-lane-at-mopac-for-6-months/1230200106|title=Construction to close Slaughter lane at MoPac for 6 months|last=Crown|first=Rosemond|date=June 11, 2018|website=KXAN|language=en-US|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402042736/https://www.kxan.com/news/local/travis-county/traffic-alert-construction-to-close-slaughter-lane-at-mopac-for-6-months/1230200106|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The completed DDI opened to traffic on November 11, 2018, with final completion occurring in Spring 2019. The La Crosse Avenue intersection began construction in Fall 2018. On March 29, 2019, the La Crosse Avenue at-grade intersection was closed for reconstruction as a bridge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin/top-stories/2019/03/28/detours-la-crosse-avenue-mopac-march-2019/|title=Detours for La Crosse Avenue at MoPac go into effect March 29|last=Cicale|first=Nicholas|date=March 29, 2019|website=Community Impact Newspaper|language=en-US|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402022727/https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin/top-stories/2019/03/28/detours-la-crosse-avenue-mopac-march-2019/|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The La Crosse Avenue bridge and intersection opened to traffic on April 16, 2020. The full project, including surrounding [[Noise barrier|sound walls]] and [[Infiltration basin|retention ponds]], was officially completed on December 16, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cicale|first=Nicholas|date=2020-12-16|title=MoPac projects at Slaughter Lane, La Crosse Ave. completed|url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin-dripping-springs/transportation/2020/12/16/mopac-projects-at-slaughter-lane-la-crosse-ave-completed/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=impact|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/austin/mopac-slaughter.html|title=MoPac Intersections|publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]]|website=www.txdot.gov|access-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927204143/https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/austin/mopac-slaughter.html|archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live}} Note: This source incorrectly refers to interchanges as intersections.</ref>
=== MoPac Intersections Project ===
In 2013, the [[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority]] (CTRMA) and TxDOT initiated an environmental study to analyze the best options to improve the MoPac intersections at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue. In December 2015, the study was completed with a Finding Of No Significant Impact for the project, which allowed it to move forward.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mopacsouth.com/about/mopac-intersections.php |title=About MoPac Intersections |last= |first= |date= |website= |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219091010/http://www.mopacsouth.com/about/mopac-intersections.php |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The selected design included replacing the at-grade intersection at Slaughter Lane with a [[diverging diamond interchange]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRs_ncEMkCY |title=MoPac South: Diverging Diamond Interchange Simulation |publisher=[[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority]] |date=April 16, 2015 |accessdate=September 30, 2018}}</ref> and the at-grade intersection at La Crosse Avenue with a [[diamond interchange]]. The project broke ground in January 2018 with Webber, LLC as the general contractor.


==== MoPac South ====
On August 10, 2018, the existing Slaughter Lane intersection was rerouted to the south.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kxan.com/news/local/travis-county/traffic-alert-construction-to-close-slaughter-lane-at-mopac-for-6-months/1230200106|title=Construction to close Slaughter lane at MoPac for 6 months|last=Crown|first=Rosemond|date=June 11, 2018|website=KXAN|language=en-US|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402042736/https://www.kxan.com/news/local/travis-county/traffic-alert-construction-to-close-slaughter-lane-at-mopac-for-6-months/1230200106|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The original intersection was replaced with a bridge over the new Mopac mainlanes. The DDI opened on November 11, 2018, with final completion expected by Spring 2019. The La Crosse Avenue intersection began construction in Fall 2018. On March 29, 2019, the La Crosse Avenue intersection was closed for reconstruction as a bridge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin/top-stories/2019/03/28/detours-la-crosse-avenue-mopac-march-2019/|title=Detours for La Crosse Avenue at MoPac go into effect March 29|last=Cicale|first=Nicholas|date=March 29, 2019|website=Community Impact Newspaper|language=en-US|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402022727/https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin/top-stories/2019/03/28/detours-la-crosse-avenue-mopac-march-2019/|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The La Crosse intersection is expected to be completed in 2020. The project as a whole is expected to be completed in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/austin/mopac-slaughter.html|title=MoPac Intersections|publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]]|website=www.txdot.gov|access-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927204143/https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/austin/mopac-slaughter.html|archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live}} Note: This source incorrectly refers to interchanges as intersections.</ref>
In 2013, CTRMA and TxDOT initiated an environmental study of the MoPac corridor from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Project Overview {{!}} MoPac South Environmental Study|url=http://www.mopacsouth.com/about/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.mopacsouth.com}}</ref> The environmental study identified the Express Lane(s) Alternative as the Recommended Build Alternative.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Environmental Study {{!}} MoPac South Environmental Study|url=http://www.mopacsouth.com/environmental/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.mopacsouth.com}}</ref> In October 2015, six proposals were presented to the public, each of which would add one of more express lanes; the "no-build" alternative was also presented.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-22|title=Mobility authority unveils MoPac South options|url=https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2015/10/mobility-authority-unveils-mopac-south-options/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Austin Monitor|language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2016, the project was put on hold by a [[Save Our Springs Alliance|Save Our Springs]] lawsuit claiming the project had not complied with the National Environmental Policy Act's requirements for environmental studies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-02-25|title=Group files lawsuit to stop South MoPac, SH 45 SW projects|url=https://www.kxan.com/news/group-files-lawsuit-to-stop-south-mopac-sh-45-sw-projects/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=KXAN Austin|language=en-US}}</ref> The lawsuit was settled on July 18, 2018 with a ruling in favor of CTRMA by the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit|5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cicale|first=Nicholas|date=2018-07-19|title=Court rules on the side of CTRMA and TxDOT in lawsuit against South Austin transportation projects|url=https://communityimpact.com/southwest-austin/top-stories/2018/07/19/court-rules-on-the-side-of-ctrma-and-txdot-in-lawsuit-againts-south-austin-transportation-projects/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=impact|language=English}}</ref> However, the project was further delayed by a state moratorium on toll projects receiving funding from State Propositions 1 and 7. TxDOT gave CTRMA preliminary approval to resume planning for MoPac South in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ortiz|first=Edmond|date=2019-11-07|title=Austin: Mobility Authority Resumes Planning for New MoPac South Toll Roads|url=https://www.virtualbx.com/construction-preview/austin-mobility-authority-resumes-planning-for-new-mopac-south-toll-roads/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Virtual Builders Exchange|language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2021, the project was officially revitalized with a virtual open house, and it is currently in public planning phases.


==Exit list==
==Exit list==
{{jcttop|length_ref=|state=TX|unnum=yes}}
{{jcttop|length_ref=|state=TX|unnum=yes}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|county=Travis|cspan=30
|county=Travis|cspan=35
|location=Austin|lspan=29
|location=Austin|lspan=34
|mile=0.0
|mile=0.0
|road={{jct|state=TX|SH|45|dir1=west}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|SH|45|dir1=west}}
Line 157: Line 172:
|mile=2.3
|mile=2.3
|road=Slaughter Lane
|road=Slaughter Lane
|notes=Diverging Diamond Interchange
|notes=
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 171: Line 186:
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=6.0
|mile=6.0
|road={{jct|extra=hospital}} {{jct|state=TX|US|290|SH|71|road=Southwest Parkway|city1=Johnson City|city2=Llano|city3=Sunset Valley}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|290|SH|71|extra=hospital|road|Southwest Parkway|city1=Johnson City|city2=Llano|city3=Sunset Valley}}
|notes=Access to [[Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple|Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Austin]]
|notes=Access to [[Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple|Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Austin]]
}}
}}
Line 191: Line 206:
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=9.8
|mile=9.8
|road={{jct|state=TX|RM|2244|name1=Bee Caves Road|city1=Rollingwood|city2=West Lake Hills|road=Wallingwood Drive}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|RM|2244|name1=Bee Caves Road|city1=Rollingwood|city2=West Lake Hills|road|Wallingwood Drive}}
}}
{{TXint
|bridge=Roberta Crenshaw Bridge over the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]
}}
{{TXint
|mile=
|road={{jct|state=TX|Loop-Express|1|dir1=begins}}
|type=toll
|notes=South end of variable toll lanes
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=10.5
|mile=10.5
|road=Cesar Chavez Street / 5th Street / Lake Austin Boulevard<!--two separate exits southbound-->
|road=Cesar Chavez Street / 5th Street / Lake Austin Boulevard<!--two separate exits southbound-->
|notes=South end of variable toll lanes
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 222: Line 245:
|mile=14.8
|mile=14.8
|road={{jct|state=TX|RM|2222|name1=Northland Drive}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|RM|2222|name1=Northland Drive}}
}}
{{TXint
|mile=
|road={{jct|state=TX|Loop-Express|1}}
|type=toll
|notes=Access point for variable toll lanes
|notes=Access point for variable toll lanes
}}
}}
Line 236: Line 264:
|mile=17.1
|mile=17.1
|road=Steck Avenue
|road=Steck Avenue
|notes=No direct northbound entrance (signed at Capital of Texas Highway)
|notes=No direct northbound entrance<!--not signed at Capital of Texas Highway-->
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 242: Line 270:
|mile=17.3
|mile=17.3
|road=(no name)
|road=(no name)
|notes=Northbound exit only; replaced by northbound collector distributor road underneath Steck Avenue<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/construction/whats-new.php|title=Mopac Improvement: Steck Avenue Collector-Distributor Lane Construction|accessdate=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609124401/http://www.mopacexpress.com/construction/whats-new.php|archive-date=June 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
|notes=Northbound exit only; replaced by northbound collector distributor road underneath Steck Avenue<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mopacexpress.com/construction/whats-new.php|title=Mopac Improvement: Steck Avenue Collector-Distributor Lane Construction|access-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609124401/http://www.mopacexpress.com/construction/whats-new.php|archive-date=June 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=18.0
|mile=18.0
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|183|name1=Research Boulevard|extra=hospital}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|183|name1=Research Boulevard|extra=hospital}}
|notes=no direct southbound exit to US 183 north (signed at Capital of Texas Highway), access to Seton Northwest Hospital
|notes=No direct southbound exit to US 183 north (signed at Capital of Texas Highway), access to Seton Northwest Hospital
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 255: Line 283:
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=19.1
|mile=19.1
|road=Braker Lane
|road=Braker Lane - [[Q2 Stadium]]
|notes=no direct northbound exit (signed at Capital of Texas Highway)
|notes=Direct southbound exit and northbound entrance (northbound exit signed at Capital of Texas Highway)
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|type=concur
|type=concur
|mile=20.5
|mile=20.5
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|1325|dir1=south|name1=Burnet Road|road=Duval Road|extra=hospital}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|1325|dir1=south|name1=Burnet Road|road|Duval Road|extra=hospital}}
|notes=South end of FM&nbsp;1325 overlap, access to North Austin Medical Center<!--at least northbound; southbound may not overlap-->
|notes=South end of FM&nbsp;1325 overlap, access to North Austin Medical Center<!--at least northbound; southbound may not overlap-->
}}
{{TXint
|mile=
|road={{jct|state=TX|Loop-Express|1|dir1=ends}}
|type=toll
|notes=North end of variable toll lanes; despite being signed as such, no direct access to FM&nbsp;734 (Parmer Lane) exists
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=21.7
|mile=21.7
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|734|name1=Parmer Lane}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|734|name1=Parmer Lane}}
|notes=North end of variable toll lanes
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|mile=22.4
|mile=22.4
|road=Scofield Ridge Parkway
|road=Scofield Ridge Parkway
|notes=no direct southbound exit
|notes=Last free northbound exit before toll road begins; no direct southbound exit
}}
{{TXint
|type=concur
|mile=22.4
|road={{jct|state=TX|Loop|1|dir1=ends}}<br/>{{jct|state=TX|Toll|1|dir1=begins}}
|notes=Northern terminus of Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway); southern terminus of Loop 1 Toll
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
|type=toll
|type=toll
|mile=23.1
|mile=23.1
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|1325|road=Wells Branch Parkway / Howard Lane, Merrilltown Drive}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|FM|1325|road|Wells Branch Parkway / Howard Lane, Merrilltown Drive}}
|notes={{jct|extra=rail}} [[Howard station (Capital MetroRail)|Howard station]]
|notes={{jct|extra=rail}} [[Howard station (Capital MetroRail)|Howard station]]
}}
}}
Line 310: Line 349:
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite press release |publisher= Texas Tollways |date= June 26, 2003 |title= Construction contract for Loop 1 extension awarded |url= http://www.texastollways.com/tta/article.asp?itemID=25 }}
*{{cite press release |publisher= Texas Tollways |date= June 26, 2003 |title= Construction contract for Loop 1 extension awarded |url= http://www.texastollways.com/tta/article.asp?itemID=25 }}
*{{cite web |url= http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |title= Loop 1 History |publisher= Texas Department of Transportation |accessdate= January 3, 2009 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100507190843/http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |archivedate= May 7, 2010 }}
*{{cite web |url= http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |title= Loop 1 History |publisher= Texas Department of Transportation |access-date= January 3, 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100507190843/http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/austin/mopac1/history.htm |archive-date= May 7, 2010 }}
*{{cite press release |publisher= Central Texas Turnpike System |date= September 18, 2006 |title= Austin toll roads will open November 1 |url= http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/pdf/NR-opening%20date%20announcementI.pdf |format= PDF |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070620213358/http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/pdf/NR-opening%20date%20announcementI.pdf |archivedate= June 20, 2007 }}
*{{cite press release |publisher= Central Texas Turnpike System |date= September 18, 2006 |title= Austin toll roads will open November 1 |url= http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/pdf/NR-opening%20date%20announcementI.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070620213358/http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/pdf/NR-opening%20date%20announcementI.pdf |archive-date= June 20, 2007 }}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


Line 327: Line 366:
[[Category:Transportation in Travis County, Texas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Travis County, Texas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Williamson County, Texas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Williamson County, Texas]]
[[Category:Missouri Pacific Railroad]]

Latest revision as of 14:07, 1 May 2024

State Highway Loop 1 marker State Highway Loop 1 marker
State Highway Loop 1
MoPac Expressway
Map
Loop 1 highlighted in red
Route information
Length25.698 mi[1] (41.357 km)
Existed1967–present
Major junctions
South end SH 45
Major intersections
North end SH 45 Toll
Location
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountiesTravis, Williamson
Highway system
SH 1 FM 1

Loop 1 is a freeway which provides access to the west side of Austin in the U.S. state of Texas. It is named Mopac Expressway (or, according to some highway signs, Mopac Boulevard) after the Missouri Pacific Railroad (or "MoPac"). Local residents almost always use the name "MoPac" rather than calling the road by its number,[2][3] which can cause much confusion, for few signs along the road use this name.[4][5]

The original section of the highway was built in the 1970s along the right-of-way of the Missouri Pacific Railroad (now owned by Union Pacific), with the railroad tracks running in the highway median between West 8th Street and Northland Drive. To the north, the tracks run along the east side of newer sections of the highway from Northland Drive to Braker Lane.

History

[edit]

Route designation

[edit]

The first mention of Loop 1 in public record was in 1929. In 1944, the City of Austin Planning Commission (CMAC) proposed that the highway be built in parts of the under-utilized right of way owned by the MoPac Railroad. Thus, the highway was eventually given the nickname "MoPac" for its proximity to the railroad. The current Loop 1 was designated on October 27, 1967, from US 290 northward to Farm to Market Road 1325 (FM 1325).[6] On October 24, 1985, the designation was extended southward from US 290 to SH 45.[1]

Expressway construction (1969 to 2006)

[edit]

This table contains the dates of the construction of segments of the road.[7][8][9]

From To Length
(mi)
Length
(km)
Project
start
Project
completion
Notes
RM 2244
(Bee Cave Road)
RM 2222
(Northland Road)
5.4 8.7 February 1969 November 1975 Loop 1 project started with
construction of the 45th Street
Interchange in February 1969.
RM 2222 US 183 4.6 7.4 September 1977 June 1981 Northern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until July 1989 - with construction of the freeway extension to FM 734.
RM 2244 Loop 360 1.9 3.1 January 1979 March 1982 Southern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until October 1989 - with construction of the freeway extension to US 290.
Loop 360 US 290 1.6 2.6 October 1983 October 1989 Southern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until November 1990 - with construction of the roadway
extension to Slaughter Lane.
US 183 FM 1325 (Burnet Road)
and FM 734 (Parmer Lane)
3.7 6.0 January 1986 July 1989 Northern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until October 2006 - with construction of the SH 45 North/
Loop 1 Connector toll road.
Stack interchange at US 183 is constructed -
involved major freeway improvements between Steck Avenue and US 183,
from March 1987 to June 1992.
US 290 Slaughter Lane 3.6 5.8 January 1988 November 1990 Southern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until July 1991 - with construction of the roadway
extension to La Crosse Avenue.
Slaughter Lane La Crosse Avenue 1.0 1.6 July 1989 July 1991 Southern terminus of Loop 1 completed,
until May 1994 - with construction of the roadway
extension to State Highway 45 .
La Crosse Avenue SH 45 2.5 4.0 November 1989 May 1994 Southern terminus of Loop 1 completed.
FM 734 SH 45 North/
Loop 1 Interchange
4.0 6.4 February 2003 October 2006 Construction on the SH 45 North Interchange
began in September 2003.
Northern terminus of Loop 1 completed.

Route description

[edit]
A stretch of Loop 1 over the Hancock Drive bridge, looking north-northwest. The Union Pacific railway is visible in the foreground.

Loop 1's southern terminus is at the beginning of the State Highway 45 stub south of Austin. It passes through the Circle C Ranch housing development and the Edwards Aquifer and intersects SH 71/US 290 (Ben White Boulevard) and Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway). It crosses the Colorado River near downtown Austin; the view of the Texas State Capitol from the bridge became one of the Capitol View Corridors protected under state and local law from obstruction by tall buildings in 1983.[10] North of the river, the highway runs parallel to the Balcones Fault and the Missouri-Pacific Railroad (Union Pacific) before it intersects US 183 (Research Boulevard) northwest of downtown. Loop 1 travels concurrently with Farm to Market Road 1325 for several miles before the non-tolled freeway ends at Parmer Lane, spanning a distance of 22.061 miles (35.504 km).

Loop 1 is designated a scenic roadway by the City of Austin.[11]

Major construction projects

[edit]

Loop 1 Toll

[edit]

North of Parmer Lane, Loop 1 continues as a limited-access toll road to the SH 45 North/Loop 1 interchange, spanning 3 miles (4.8 km). Frontage roads flank either side of the toll road to Merrilltown Drive.

The Texas Department of Transportation completed construction of the tollway as part of the 2002 Central Texas Turnpike Project (CTTP). SH 45 North, also part of the project, provides freeway access to Interstate 35 from Loop 1. The 2002 CTTP was scheduled to be completed in September 2007. However, certain sections of the project, including Loop 1 opened early and more than $100 million under budget.

If and when SH 45 is completed to the south of Austin between FM 1626 and I-35, Loop 1 will effectively serve as a full western loop to the city, being directly connected to SH 45 (and indirectly to I-35) at both ends.

MoPac Improvement Project

[edit]
Loop 1 Express marker
Loop 1 Express
Mopac Improvement Project
LocationAustin
Existed2017–present

Since 1994, TxDOT has proposed the addition of managed lanes to portions of Loop 1. The MoPac Improvement Project[12] was relaunched in July 2010 by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA). In December 2010, four alternative proposals were presented to the public, each of which would add one or more lanes; the "no-build" alternative was also presented. The additions would not increase the right-of-way of the highway, but would be created by reducing the width of existing lanes and reducing and/or eliminating shoulders. An environmental study was completed in August 2012 with a Finding Of No Significant Impact and a recommendation of one new travel lane in each direction, operated as express lanes.[13] Construction began in 2013, and was originally scheduled for completion in September 2015, but by August 2016, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced further delays.[14] The first of four tolled sections, specifically the northbound toll lane from RM 2222 to Parmer Lane, opened on October 17, 2016. The remainder of the northbound express lane, from Cesar Chavez Street to Parmer Lane, opened on October 7, 2017, and the entire southbound express lane opened on October 28, 2017.

MoPac Intersections Project

[edit]

In 2013, CTRMA and TxDOT initiated an environmental study to analyze the best options to improve the MoPac intersections at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue. In December 2015, the study was completed with a Finding Of No Significant Impact for the project, which allowed it to move forward.[15] The selected design included replacing the at-grade intersection at Slaughter Lane with a diverging diamond interchange (DDI)[16] and the at-grade intersection at La Crosse Avenue with a diamond interchange. The project broke ground in January 2018 with Webber, LLC as the general contractor.

On August 10, 2018, the at-grade Slaughter Lane intersection was rerouted to the south as construction began on an overpass bridge on the original alignment.[17] The completed DDI opened to traffic on November 11, 2018, with final completion occurring in Spring 2019. The La Crosse Avenue intersection began construction in Fall 2018. On March 29, 2019, the La Crosse Avenue at-grade intersection was closed for reconstruction as a bridge.[18] The La Crosse Avenue bridge and intersection opened to traffic on April 16, 2020. The full project, including surrounding sound walls and retention ponds, was officially completed on December 16, 2020.[19][20]

MoPac South

[edit]

In 2013, CTRMA and TxDOT initiated an environmental study of the MoPac corridor from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane.[21] The environmental study identified the Express Lane(s) Alternative as the Recommended Build Alternative.[22] In October 2015, six proposals were presented to the public, each of which would add one of more express lanes; the "no-build" alternative was also presented.[23] In February 2016, the project was put on hold by a Save Our Springs lawsuit claiming the project had not complied with the National Environmental Policy Act's requirements for environmental studies.[24] The lawsuit was settled on July 18, 2018 with a ruling in favor of CTRMA by the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.[25] However, the project was further delayed by a state moratorium on toll projects receiving funding from State Propositions 1 and 7. TxDOT gave CTRMA preliminary approval to resume planning for MoPac South in August 2019.[26] In November 2021, the project was officially revitalized with a virtual open house, and it is currently in public planning phases.

Exit list

[edit]

All exits are unnumbered.

CountyLocationmikmDestinationsNotes
TravisAustin0.00.0
SH 45 west
0.71.1South Bay LaneAt-grade intersection; dead end both directions, turnaround only
1.52.4La Crosse Avenue
2.33.7Slaughter LaneDiverging Diamond Interchange
2.94.7Davis LaneSouthbound exit and northbound entrance
4.77.6William Cannon Drive
6.09.7 US 290 / SH 71 / Southwest Parkway – Johnson City, Llano, Sunset ValleyAccess to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Austin
6.610.6Frontage RoadSouthbound exit only
7.512.1 Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway)Only one exit ramp travels from southbound Loop 1 to southbound Loop 360; all others are at-grade
8.914.3Barton Skyway
9.815.8 RM 2244 (Bee Caves Road) / Wallingwood Drive – Rollingwood, West Lake Hills
Roberta Crenshaw Bridge over the Colorado River

Loop 1 Express begins
South end of variable toll lanes
10.516.9Cesar Chavez Street / 5th Street / Lake Austin Boulevard
11.218.0Enfield Road
11.718.8Windsor Road
12.319.8Westover Road / Northwood Road
12.920.8 35th Street - Camp MabryAccess to Seton Shoal Creek Hospital
13.822.245th Street
14.823.8 RM 2222 (Northland Drive)
Loop 1 ExpressAccess point for variable toll lanes
15.925.6Far West Boulevard
16.626.7Anderson Lane / Spicewood Springs RoadDirect northbound exit and southbound entrance (southbound exit signed at Steck Avenue)
17.127.5Steck AvenueNo direct northbound entrance
17.327.8(no name)Northbound exit only; replaced by northbound collector distributor road underneath Steck Avenue[27]
18.029.0 US 183 (Research Boulevard)No direct southbound exit to US 183 north (signed at Capital of Texas Highway), access to Seton Northwest Hospital
18.730.1Capital of Texas Highway
19.130.7Braker Lane - Q2 StadiumDirect southbound exit and northbound entrance (northbound exit signed at Capital of Texas Highway)
20.533.0
FM 1325 south (Burnet Road) / Duval Road
South end of FM 1325 overlap, access to North Austin Medical Center

Loop 1 Express ends
North end of variable toll lanes; despite being signed as such, no direct access to FM 734 (Parmer Lane) exists
21.734.9 FM 734 (Parmer Lane)
22.436.0Scofield Ridge ParkwayLast free northbound exit before toll road begins; no direct southbound exit
22.436.0
Loop 1 ends

Loop 1 Toll begins
Northern terminus of Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway); southern terminus of Loop 1 Toll
23.137.2 FM 1325 / Wells Branch Parkway / Howard Lane, Merrilltown Drive Howard station
24.038.6Toll plaza
TravisWilliamson
county line
24.539.4Shoreline DriveNo southbound exit
Williamson25.641.2
SH 45 Toll to I-35
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway Loop No. 1". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  2. ^ "Confusing Road Names in Austin". Archived from the original on October 25, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  3. ^ "Austin Slang - AOL Travel News". Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  4. ^ "Decipher Austin streets | Always Austin". Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  5. ^ "MoPac Expressway. Just wondering | Austin | Yelp". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  6. ^ "Proposed MoPac Boulevard Is Designated as Loop No. 1". Austin Statesman. October 31, 1967. ProQuest 1515952796. (subscription required)
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