East Seventh St. between downtown and US 183 is a sight of degrading pavement and deteriorating buildings, but construction begins in February to overhaul the road into an attractive gateway to the airport.
Austin-area firms Capital Excavation and Cash Construction have been awarded the 18-month, $11.5 million project that will improve traffic and business conditions from Navasota St. to North Pleasant Valley Rd.
Mixed-use developers and retail franchises are already showing interest in the corridor. The project is funded through the 2006 bond election and federal earmarks. The city will pay contractors $5,000 per day, up to $250,000, for each day the project is completed ahead of schedule.
