Published: 12-20-07
AUSTIN – To better ensure safety for the historic Texas Capitol building lawmakers staff and visitors perimeter security will be upgraded for the Capitol grounds beginning mid to late December.“Since the 9/11 attacks venues throughout the nation have made efforts to strengthen the safety and security of staff and visitors in public places” said Gov. Rick Perry. “These changes will make the Texas Capitol more secure for lawmakers staff and visitors.”
Traffic flow on Capitol grounds will be redirected with all vehicles entering on 15th Street. The one-way north-to-to-south traffic flow will create two exits at 11th Street. These exits will be linked with the city’s traffic signal system.
The east and west gates will also become exits. Upgrades will include retractable bollards at entry and exit points of the grounds and the construction of a gatehouse for Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel at the North entrance.
The security measures also will eliminate the need for posting DPS troopers in their cars 24/7 at each entrance and exit. Additionally the state is working with Capitol Metro to address relocation of their bus stop on 11th Street adjacent to the Capitol Grounds.
The project estimated to cost $3.3 million is funded by legislative appropriations made to the State Preservation Board which is charged with caring for the Capitol and Capitol grounds. Construction will take place in phases so as not to disrupt transportation on the Capitol grounds and is expected to be completed in Fall 2008.
The project estimated to cost $3.3 million is funded by legislative appropriations made to the State Preservation Board which is charged with caring for the Capitol and Capitol grounds. Construction will take place in phases so as not to disrupt transportation on the Capitol grounds and is expected to be completed in Fall 2008.
