CapMetro to build second track in East Austin

Capital Metro plans to build a second section of tracks along the Red Line in East Austin, as well as new sidewalks, crosswalks and another platform at the Plaza Saltillo station.

A second set of tracks, known as double-track, can improve train frequency and reliability by allowing trains to travel in both directions simultaneously.

Last year, Capital Metro opened a second track between Lakeline and Leander stations, the first major rail upgrade that was part of the Project Connect transit expansion.

The additional set of tracks in East Austin will run from east of Robert T. Martinez Drive to Onion Street, a distance of about 1.1 miles.

The transit agency’s board of directors voted Monday to give CEO Dottie Watkins the authority to finalize a deal with the city of Austin that would include street improvements beyond work on the railroad tracks.

Under the contract, the city will install continuous sidewalks along East Fifth Street and pedestrian crossing improvements, including safety improvements at Navasota and Comal streets, new raised crossings at Luk and Robert T. Martinez Jr. streets, and island crossings at Chicon and Robert T streets . Martinez. There will be a continuous trail along the south side of the path.

East Fifth Street will be narrowed, repaved and converted to a one-way street for cars from Navasota Street to Chicon Street.

Plaza Saltillo will receive a second platform that will be 280 feet long.

The detailed design is planned to be developed in 2025, and construction will begin in 2026 and will last about two years.

The federal government is paying more than half the cost of the $32.2 million dual tracking project. CapMetro won an $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The remaining costs will largely be covered by Capital Metro. The City of Austin will contribute at least $900,000 for its portion of the project.