City to Build Flyovers at MoPac and 290

Drivers in Southwest Austin and Sunset Valley could get some traffic relief soon.  On Thursday the Austin City Council approved a $13 million loan to finish two flyovers at 290 and MoPac.

The Texas Department of Transportation started the flyovers in 1995 but ran out of money.  Under the agreement, TxDOT will build the flyovers and reimburse the city 80% of the loan.  The city will have to pay the other 20% plus interest.

"This partnership and the work that will be done on these flyovers fills a significant gap in our transportation system," said Austin City Manager Marc Ott.

One of the flyovers will run from northbound Mopac to eastbound U.S. 290. The other will go from westbound U.S.290 to southbound MoPac.

Construction is expected to start in May and last about a year.