Ribbon cutting ceremony marks two-way conversion of Cesar Chavez St.

For Immediate Release
August 11, 2008

Two-way traffic returned to Cesar Chavez today. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously in adjusting to the new lane configurations.

A ribbon cutting to mark the official two-way conversion of Cesar Chavez was held today at 9:15 a.m. on the South Plaza of City Hall. City officials, the project contractor and designers, city staff and citizens participated in the opening.

Two lanes are now available both eastbound and westbound continuously from Interstate 35 to MoPac. The required jag to 2nd Street beginning at Brazos is eliminated. The new lane configuration includes:

• Two through lanes in each direction from San Antonio to Brazos.
• Single left turn lanes at Congress.
• Dual left turn lanes for eastbound traffic at Lavaca and Brazos.
• Single left turn lane for eastbound traffic at San Antonio.
• Medians provided at San Antonio, Guadalupe, and Lavaca intersections.
• Installation of traffic signals at San Antonio and Colorado.
• Left turn lanes prohibited for west bound traffic on Cesar Chavez to south on South First.
• Removal of on-street parking between Brazos and Colorado.

The urban design enhancements now underway on the south side of the street are expected to be complete in the fall. They include:

• Pedestrian esplanade up to 32 ft. wide with concrete, pavers and limestone retaining wall to be constructed on the south side of Cesar Chavez from the Lady Bird Johnson Monument to Congress Avenue.
• From S. 1st to Congress esplanade will have a double row of trees, benches, railings and public art.
• Planting beds to be installed along the Cesar Chavez south curb line and adjacent to the Buford Tower.
• Improved access to Town Lake Trail.

Total project cost was $8.4 million provided through Capital Metro quarter-cent funding, bond funds and a $2.4 million federal grant. Construction began November 17, 2007.