2nd Street Reconstruction

Austin, Texas

The City of Austin’s Great Streets program was developed to improve the quality of downtown streets and sidewalks to transform the public right-of-way into great public spaces. The 2nd Street project links a seven-block area between the new City Hall at San Antonio to the Convention Center at Trinity Street. The 2nd Street project was the first Great Streets project and was performed over three phases. The program focused on creating a walkable and comfortable environment that welcomed residents, visitors, and businesses with sidewalk cafes, outdoor marketing, and works of artists to create a unique sense of place within the downtown area of Austin.

Binkley & Barfield | DCCM provided preliminary engineering services, design phase services, bid phase services, and construction services for the 2nd Street. Working closely with the City of Austin and the design teams to design a welcoming and functional streetscape, Binkley & Barfield | DCCM designed and managed the street reconstruction, which included full-depth roadway reconstruction, drainage, water, and wastewater replacement; sidewalk and streetscape improvements; and all the associated utility improvements.   

The project spanned a distance of 2,600 feet and included over 23,000 square feet of concrete sidewalks, special curb ADA ramps, special foundations for streetlights, traffic signals, trellises, 900 tons of asphalt, and tree planting with irrigation and drains. Binkley & Barfield | DCCM managed a complex utility relocation plan to make room for new storm sewers ranging in size from 18 inches to 54 inches, 6-foot by 3-foot box culverts, and a new 12-inch water line.

The project involved extensive communication with the public and business owners in the areas to facilitate driveway and building access throughout the project’s construction. Coordination with dry utility companies, highly detailed construction phasing and traffic control planning, and construction phase services were also provided.