Austin Public Notice: Winter Health Advisories, Water Restrictions, and I-35 Construction Updates

Public Health Advisory: Peak Cedar Fever and Respiratory Surge

Austin Public Health (APH) has issued a community health advisory as Central Texas enters the peak of the winter allergy season. Ashe Juniper pollen, commonly known as "Cedar Fever," has reached extreme levels this week, leading to a surge in respiratory complaints across Travis County. Health officials are urging residents to distinguish between allergy symptoms and viral infections. According to Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, while itchy eyes and sneezing are hallmarks of cedar allergies, a fever exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit typically indicates a viral illness such as the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, all of which are currently circulating at high levels.

• Prevention: Residents are advised to keep windows closed and change HVAC filters to HEPA-rated versions to reduce indoor pollen exposure.
• Guidance: If you are experiencing symptoms, health officials recommend staying home and wearing a mask in public spaces to prevent the accidental spread of viruses to vulnerable populations.

Transportation Alert: I-35 Nightly Lane Closures

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced extended nightly closures as part of the I-35 Capital Express Central project. Following recent weather-related delays, construction crews have resumed intensive work on the $4.5 billion overhaul. Commuters should expect nightly lane closures from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. throughout the weekend. Key impacts include the temporary shutdown of the south-to-north U-turn beneath the Lady Bird Lake bridge and various ramp closures between U.S. 290 East and Ben White Boulevard. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use mobile navigation apps to track real-time detours.

Utility Notice: Ongoing Conservation Stage Water Restrictions

Austin Water confirms that the city remains under Conservation Stage watering restrictions. Despite recent wintry precipitation, the combined storage levels of Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan remain a concern for long-term supply. Residents using automatic or manual irrigation systems are restricted to watering only one day per week based on their address. Wasting water, including allowing runoff into the street or using broken sprinkler heads, remains prohibited under city ordinance.

• Residential Schedule: Even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays; odd-numbered addresses on Saturdays.
• Hose-End Sprinklers: Permitted two days per week between midnight and 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. and midnight.

Official Update: Public Health and Animal Services Agreements

Effective February 1, 2026, the City of Austin will implement amended interlocal agreements with Travis County for the continued provision of essential services. These agreements, recently approved by the City Council, authorize over $2.8 million in combined funding to sustain regional public health monitoring and animal shelter operations through the spring. These measures ensure that both city and county residents have uninterrupted access to immunizations, infectious disease tracking, and emergency animal services.