(These pictures aren't in geographical order). Steck Ave. is my preferred morning
crossing of Mopac because it's the least steep hill. However, it has some major
drawbacks - when you approach the northbound frontage road generally you still have
enough momentum from going under the railroad bridge to get out of turning cars' path
fairly quickly, but then when the light turns green you must cross a gradual uphill
over the bridge and then a short steep hill immediately after the SB frontage road.
This is one of the most stressful parts of the commute. When I was working in a temporary
office off Spicewood Springs Rd. and Mesa Blvd., I took Hancock Dr. across Mopac in
the mornings, which is much less stressful since it has no access to/from Mopac,
but is far more hilly and since the current work commute includes another huge hill
later on, I put up with the stress here. Shortly after the short steep hill, Steck
Ave. changes from a 4-lane configuration to 2 car lanes plus bike lanes and gets a
million times calmer overnight.
