Frequently Asked Questions

The 290 Extension Project is an environmental study and schematic design project to evaluate mobility solutions including the extension of 290 Toll approximately 15 miles eastward to address increasing congestion on US 290 between SH 130 in Travis County and SH 95 South in Bastrop County.

The environmental study and schematic design will evaluate mobility improvements related to congestion and safety. As a result of current congestion levels along US 290, just east of Austin, this corridor is ranked among Texas’s Top 100 most congested road segments for 2024. Current traffic conditions can add up to 17 minutes (2024)* to an average trip. With the region's rapid population growth, delays are expected to worsen without intervention.

The 290 Extension Project will evaluate mobility solutions from the current end point of 290 Toll near SH 130 in Travis County farther east to SH 95 South in Bastrop County, covering approximately 15 miles. The study will consider improvements at cross streets that may be affected by traffic flow along the corridor.

The Mobility Authority is considering enhancements to improve overall mobility and support multimodal transportation. Some of these could include:

• Extension of 290 Toll from current end point near SH 130 in Travis County farther east to SH 95 South.
• Enhancing cross streets with signalized intersections, including the possibility of new signals.
• Exploring pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements where feasible.

The environmental study and schematic design were initiated in April 2025 and is anticipated to continue for approximately three years. This process involves assessing potential impacts on the human and natural environment and evaluating alternatives to improve mobility and safety for drivers, transit riders, bicyclists, pedestrians, and the surrounding community.

The project is evaluating the addition of tolled mainlanes alongside existing non-tolled general-purpose lanes. This approach aims to provide drivers with choices and improve safety and mobility. Potential pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure enhancements will also be considered to support accessibility, reinforcing the Mobility Authority’s commitment to multimodal and non-tolled improvements as a part of all projects, where feasible.

The Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are developing the 290 Extension Project environmental study cooperatively with other local partners.

Potential impacts and mitigation measures to the following will be considered:

• Endangered species and wildlife
• Water resources, wetlands, floodplains and water quality
• Vegetation
• Cultural resources
• Traffic noise
• Air quality
• Community Impacts
• Geology and soils
• Hazardous Materials
• Visual and aesthetic qualities
• Parkland
• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities

The study will assess the direct and indirect impacts of proposed transportation improvements to the environment.

Direct impacts caused by a roadway improvement could include commercial and residential displacements, impacts to waters of the U.S. including wetlands, or impacts to historical properties. Such impacts occur at the same time and in the same location the improvement is implemented.

Indirect impacts caused by a roadway improvement could include growth inducing effects and other effects related to changes in the pattern of land use, population density or growth rate as a result of the project. While not directly impacting a resource, indirect impacts could still manifest in such areas as air quality, water quality, or habitat values. Such impacts, while reasonably foreseeable, are farther removed in distance from the improvement or occur later in time.

Yes. As part of the Mobility Authority’s commitment to multimodal and non-tolled improvements, the 290 Extension Project will consider pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure where feasible.

Currently, the project team is evaluating possible mobility improvements for the US 290 corridor, including potential toll lane extensions. No specific design features such as bridges or elevated structures have been confirmed, though they are a possibility. The environmental and schematic study will help determine which solutions are most appropriate based on traffic, safety, environmental impact, and community input. As alternatives are developed, proposed features will be presented for public review through open houses, meetings and posted on the project website.

One of the goals of the 290 Extension Project is to improve mobility along this growing corridor. As part of the environmental study and schematic design process, we are actively evaluating how potential improvements could enhance travel times and reduce delays for both commuters and emergency response vehicles. While exact travel time savings are yet to be analyzed, this information will be shared with the public as data becomes available.

The 290 Extension Project is focused on mobility improvements and congestion relief, which are expected to benefit current transit riders by making travel times more consistent and reliable. As delays are reduced and overall corridor performance improves, these changes may also encourage increased transit ridership by making public transportation a more dependable and attractive option. As with all Mobility Authority roads, transit vehicles ride free in the tolled lanes and avoid passing that cost onto their customers.

Since the project is in the early stages of the study, no design alternatives or right-of-way (ROW) plans have been finalized. The environmental study and schematic design process will explore various design options. Community input is a key part of this process, and your feedback will help shape the design. As plans are developed, detailed information about ROW impacts and proximity to properties will be shared directly to potentially affected property owners, as well as through public meetings and posted on the project website.

As part of our field work to better understand the corridor, some property owners may receive letters requesting permission for right of entry. The request for right of entry is solely to conduct preliminary studies and does not mean that your property will be acquired or directly affected by the proposed improvements.

The project is currently in the early stages of the environmental study and schematic design process, which is expected to take about three years. This process will gather community input, evaluate potential improvements, environmental impacts and mitigations, and determine if the project should move forward. The first draft schematics are expected to be available in 2026, with opportunities for public feedback through open houses and meetings. If the recommended build alternative receives environmental clearance, the project could then move into final design, contractor selection, and eventually construction. No specific timeline has been established beyond the environmental study at this point.

The next steps in the environmental study include gathering public input, data collection, field work, and the development of preliminary design alternatives. We will be engaging with the community using a variety of online and in-person channels such as meetings, surveys, event attendance, and more to help determine the best design alternatives. As the schematic and environmental studies proceed, plans will be developed and shared with the community through upcoming open houses and public meetings as well as on the project website.

Public input is vital to the project's development. The Mobility Authority encourages community engagement through various channels, including meetings, surveys, and events. Residents can join the email mailing list, submit questions, comments, and stay informed via the project website and social media.