Update on Huntland Dr. and Middle Fiskville Rd. Entrance to I35 South
Hi folks! There was some concern in the neighborhood that the closure of the entrance onto the frontage road from Huntland Dr. and Middle Fiskville Rd. was permanent. I talked to a representative from TXDOT who has assured me it’s temporary. But when it reopens there will be some changes to how that intersection operates.
Huntland Dr. and Middle Fiskville Rd. at the I35 South frontage road.
What’s changed
The big change is that, when this project is finished, you won’t be able to enter I35 South using the entrance ramp that’s opposite the Linc shopping center. There will be a divider that will force you to drive south on the frontage road. They're doing this because the new underpass under St Johns is too close to that entrance to I35. So, if you used to use this as a shortcut to I35 (as I did), you can still do so, but you’ll have to drive through the light at 2222, then enter I35 just south of that. Or, go to St. Johns, turn right on the frontage road, then enter I35 south using the entrance opposite the Linc.
Other odds and ends
Justin and Lamar Development Update
The developer of the project on Justin Lane has applied for a variance to build a 160 foot building on the corner of Justin and N. Lamar. The developer, who owns the land from the corner of Lamar to the Austin Energy depot, also won the bid to develop that depot, so they will develop that entire 7 acre parcel on Justin. The development includes a park, housing, commercial, and some kind of performance area for outdoor movies and other events.
City council will vote on the variance in early May. The property lies within the Crestview/Wooten combined neighborhood plan, so Highland has no formal role in advising council on support for the variance. You can contact our council person, Chito Vela, to let them know how you feel, however, as all council members will vote on it.
Continued Development Around Highland ACC
I’ve gotten lots of notices about continuing building around the perimeter of Highland ACC. The old Sail Shop and the former Highlander Motel, both torn down, are slated for new construction. The HNA is trying to keep up with all these developments. There’s a new park that’s taking shape over on the north side of the former mall, which should be a nice addition to the neighborhood. Go take a look if you haven’t already!