New Sidewalk/Curb Ramp/Route

Provided Information to Resident - Close SR. Emailed the following: Thank you for bringing this to our attention regarding the inquiry about the absent curb ramp at S 5TH ST. Unfortunately, there are over 700 miles of absent sidewalks and curb ramps in Austin and current funding is only sufficient to construct around 30 miles of sidewalks and curb ramps per year. Sidewalk projects are selected based on the Council adopted Sidewalks, Crossings, and Shared Streets Plan: https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Transportation/Adopted 2023 Sidewalks Crossings and Shared Streets Plan_without Appendices.pdf. The absent curb ramp at S 5TH ST is not currently in our service plan at this time but will continue to be identified as planned but unfunded until such time as additional resources are available to complete construction. As there is a tremendous demand for sidewalks & curb ramps (it is currently estimated that there is over $1.5 billion in new sidewalk & curb ramp construction needed citywide) it is necessary for us as a City to determine priorities for limited resources, so we have developed a prioritization matrix to assist us in making decisions for sidewalk installation based on a variety of factors which include: 1. How far is it to schools, major employers, transit stops, government offices, public accommodations, and public housing? 2. How many people live in the area? 3. Are there already existing sidewalks in the area? 4. Is the request made by the ADA task force or part of an Adopted Neighborhood Plan? 5. How busy is the street? 6. Have there been reported pedestrian safety concerns These criteria are explained in the prioritization matrix in Appendix F of the 2023 Sidewalks, Crossings, and Shared Streets Plan: https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Transportation/Adopted 2023 Sidewalks Crossings and Shared Streets Plan Appendices.pdf. Using this decision matrix, our program's limited budget is used to achieve maximum benefits. A map of currently funded projects is available as part of the Mobility Annual Plan: https://data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/Mobility-Annual-Plan/2xkd-czyh/. For unfunded sidewalk & curb ramp projects, your neighborhood may be interested in applying through our Neighborhood Partnering Program. Details of this program can be found here: http://www.austintexas.gov/neighborhoodpartnering City staff are working to keep Austin moving through recent mobility-bond funded initiatives. Austin Mobility Bond Programs is your go-to source for details on how you can get involved, follow the investments made with your tax dollars, and keep up with the development of these historic bond investments. Again, thank you for contacting us regarding the curb ramps, and we will add your site to the list of curb ramp requests to complete as funding becomes available.