New Sidewalk/Curb Ramp/ADA Route

Provided Information to Requester - Close SR. Emailed the following:

Thanks for your inquiry about sidewalks. 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 and curb ramp projects are selected based on the Council adopted Sidewalks, Crossings, and Shared Streets Plan (see link below). Sidewalks in your area are not on the list of funded projects at this time but will continue to be identified as planned but unfunded until such time as additional resources are available to complete construction.

Link to the Council adopted 2023 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
As there is a tremendous demand for sidewalks and curb ramps (it is currently estimated that there is approximately $1 billion in new sidewalk construction needed citywide) it is necessary for us as a City to determine priorities for limited resources. A prioritization matrix was developed as part of the Sidewalk Plan to assist in making decisions for sidewalk and curb ramp 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?
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 (see link above). Using this decision matrix, the 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/.

The Safe Routes To School Program also funds new sidewalks to assist students in safely walking and biking to school. For more information, please visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/saferoutes.

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. We value your input and thank you for your interest in improving Austin's neighborhoods. We encourage you to check out the recent Sidewalk Plan update process as part of ATX Walk Bike Roll (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/atx-walk-bike-roll) and we will add your site to the list of sidewalk requests.