Invisible barriers : underpasses as a highway legacy

Exploring the interaction between cars and non-motorized road users, this report aims to analyze the physical and perceived safety of I-35 underpasses in Austin, TX. Inspired by the lived experience of using the underpasses and literature on pedestrian safety design, I decided to survey and map the quality and safety of 20 underpasses. Here, pedestrians are often at odds with the danger of high-speed traffic, narrow or non-existent sidewalks, short traffic light cycles, and broken or subpar intersection amenities. To document the quality of underpasses, I conducted a study and an in-person survey of underpasses and an analysis of the level of traffic stress experienced by non-motorized road users. This study suggests that underpasses are a collateral of highways and prevent connectivity between two sides of the city, East and West in the case of Austin, and how that affects people’s access to space. I further explore ways that underpasses can become a better environment for all road users and how that space can be reclaimed. Finally, I identify ways in which the cap and stitch project for the proposed I-35 expansion in Central Austin can be successful and beneficial to the East-West connectivity.