Austin City Notices: Weekend Traffic Alerts and Barton Springs Maintenance

Public Notice: Significant I-35 Lane Closures in South Austin

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued an advisory regarding major traffic disruptions along the I-35 corridor this weekend. As part of the ongoing $548 million I-35 Capital Express South Project, the northbound main lanes between Slaughter Lane and Ben White Boulevard will be subject to nightly closures. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the northbound lanes are scheduled to be closed starting at 11:00 p.m., with a planned reopening at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Earlier closures on Saturday morning are expected to conclude by 9:00 a.m.

Motorists traveling northbound are advised to use the frontage road detours. Drivers will be directed to exit at Exit 228, continue through the SH 71 intersection, and re-enter the main lanes via the next available entrance ramp. These closures are necessary for safe construction progress on an overhaul project that is slated to continue through 2028. Commuters should expect delays and are encouraged to plan alternative routes where possible.

Park Advisory: Barton Springs Pool Temporary Closure

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department reminds residents that Barton Springs Pool remains closed for essential maintenance. The pool was shuttered on February 23, 2026, to accommodate the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project. This project involves the critical removal of decommissioned 1940s-era infrastructure that has been identified as potentially unstable.

• Closure Period: February 23 through March 13, 2026.
• Scheduled Reopening: Saturday, March 14, 2026.
• Facility Note: Upon reopening on March 14, the pool will resume its standard admission fee schedule.

During this downtime, swimmers are encouraged to utilize other year-round municipal pools, such as Deep Eddy or Big Stacy, which remain operational. Maintenance crews are working to ensure the springs are safe and the bypass project is completed before the spring break season begins.

City Governance: Council Schedule and 2026 Bond Planning

The Office of the City Clerk has announced that the Austin City Council Work Session previously scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, has been cancelled. The next Regular Meeting of the Austin City Council will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Chambers.

Significant items on the upcoming legislative agenda include negotiations for an interlocal agreement with Travis County for animal-related services and discussions regarding the 2026 Bond Package. The Bond Election Advisory Task Force is currently evaluating infrastructure requests focused on climate goals and sustainable urban development. Residents interested in participating in the March 12 meeting can begin registering to speak on Monday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m.