The area we write to express concern about is in South Austin. The 78748 zip code, like all of Austin, has experienced incredible growth in the last ten years. According to the 2020 Census, the 78748 zip code has a population of 51,000. In 2010 this number was 41,000.

With this influx of people comes increased traffic. Compounding this surge in population is the new bar district currently underway just south of the Slaughter Lane and Menchaca Road intersection.  We write to ask for several things to be done to help make this Menchaca Road corridor safer for our citizens.

1. TXDot: Please replace existing No Parking signs along 10100 Block of Menchaca Road and beyond to at least the Old Manchaca Road intersection.  APD has informed us that the current signs are not sufficient, and they cannot rightfully enforce them.  New signs need to be erected that have arrows.  Additional signs are also needed, as vehicles are parking along the shoulder of Menchaca Road in order to get to the new bars in our area, Armadillo Den and Lustre Pearl South, which will open any day now, along with at least one more bar in the works.
*Many accidents or near accidents have occurred at this treacherous stretch of road in recent weeks.  Motorists leaving the Sweetwater Glen neighborhood, as well as those leaving Moontower Saloon or Armadillo Den must cross cars at speeds of 55+ MPH all while having their line of sight impacted by the vehicles parked along the shoulder of the road.  In addition, motorists that park along the shoulder of Menchaca Road then dart across Menchaca in order to reach these businesses, creating a dangerous situation for motorists and pedestrians alike.

2. TxDot: Please consider lowering the speed limit from the Menchaca Rd and Slaughter Ln intersection to Old Manchaca Rd from 55 MPH to 45 MPH.
*Within the last ten years, this area to the south of Slaughter Ln has seen tremendous growth. Many new subdivisions and businesses have been created in this time frame, and with the increased traffic in the area, this is quite dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. On June 18, 2013 Austin Firefighter Colin Camp was struck while cycling in this area due in part to the excessive speed allowed on this stretch of road.  Sadly, the most recent tragedy took place in February 2020 when a driver struck a pedestrian on the roadway and drove off with the deceased inside his vehicle, a news story that made national headlines.

3. City of Austin/TXDot: Please consider installing a traffic signal with crosswalk at Menchaca Road and Redwater Drive intersection.
*Because of the incredible population growth in this area, traffic during rush hour often backs up from the Slaughter Lane and Menchaca Road intersection all the way to Redwater Drive.  Motorists attempting to leave the Sweetwater Glen subdivision then have a difficult and dangerous turn to make when going south or north on Menchaca Road.  Businesses along Menchaca Road have also asked the city and TXDot repeatedly in recent years for some kind of crosswalk so pedestrians can safely reach their businesses.
Another serious concern for Sweetwater Glen residents is the turning lane for those turning onto Redwater Drive when approaching from southbound Menchaca Road.  They are having near head-on collisions with motorists traveling northbound that are attempting to turn into Moontower Saloon, Armadillo Den and soon to come Lustre Pearl South.

4. TX Dot: Raised median with designated turn lanes (cement cutouts) to turn into/out of bars and Sweetwater Glen neighborhood.

5. TX Dot: Dedicated bike lanes along 10100 block of Menchaca to help bicyclists and motorists in this area.

6. TX Dot: Lights along Menchaca Road as it is too dark and very few street lights are along this stretch of road.

The Sweetwater Glen Community, in association with other local businesses and communities in the surrounding area, appreciate the support in these needed changes. We know it is challenging to make change happen, but the safety of our residents and local patrons is of the utmost importance to the community at-large. This is a plea from the people who witness these issues every day for lawmakers and officials to act now. Too often, change only occurs after the unfortunate and inevitable happens. Let’s get ahead of this problem now before it is too late. We appreciate your support and thank you for your efforts to keep our little area safe, prosperous, and "weird."

Contact Information:  Sweetwaterglenboard@gmail.com