Austin Sunday Traffic: I-35 Frontage Reductions and US 290 Evening Lane Closures
I-35 Capital Express Central and Lady Bird Lake Constraints
Commuters navigating the heart of Austin this Sunday, February 22, 2026, should prepare for significant modifications to the I-35 corridor. As part of the ongoing I-35 Capital Express Central project, the northbound I-35 frontage road across the Lady Bird Lake bridge has been reduced to a single lane. This restriction is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as crews continue work on the bridge structures. Drivers traveling north from Riverside Drive are encouraged to use the newly opened Riverside Drive bypass lane to maintain connectivity to the frontage road. Additionally, a new north-to-south U-turn is available at Holly Street to assist with local circulation.
US 290 Oak Hill Parkway Evening Closures
In Southwest Austin, the Oak Hill Parkway project continues to reshape the interchange of US 290 and SH 71. For those traveling late this evening, a scheduled lane closure will affect Eastbound US 290. Starting at 8:00 PM tonight, the left lane will be closed between Circle Drive and Scenic Brook Drive. This work is slated to continue until 6:00 AM Monday morning. Motorists should anticipate minor delays and are advised to stay alert for construction crews and shifting traffic patterns in the area. Ongoing continuous closures also remain in effect for the northbound and southbound lanes of Convict Hill Road between the US 290 frontage roads.
Downtown Intersection Restrictions
Travel through the Downtown district remains impacted by utility and infrastructure upgrades. On Congress Avenue, northbound travel is currently reduced to a single outside lane near the intersection with Cesar Chavez Street. Furthermore, westbound Cesar Chavez Street is limited to two lanes in this vicinity. Notably, the southbound left-turn lane from Congress Avenue onto eastbound Cesar Chavez remains prohibited. Drivers are instructed to utilize 2nd Street as a primary detour route. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian safety and modernize downtown infrastructure.
CapMetro Transit Alerts and Local Events
Capital Metro riders should be aware of a specific service detour affecting East Austin today. Route 322 (Chicon/Cherrywood) is currently on detour near the intersection of Chicon Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This disruption is scheduled to conclude by 7:00 PM this evening. Additionally, the Slaughter and IH-35 southbound frontage road construction detour remains active, impacting local bus timing. For those attending the final day of the OUTsider Festival at The VORTEX, expect higher pedestrian volumes and limited parking along Manor Road. While no major road closures are tied specifically to the festival’s conclusion, the surrounding neighborhood may see increased activity through the evening hours.