Austin Traffic Alert: Multiple Street Closures for Special Events and I-35 Construction

Saturday Traffic Overview

Austin commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for significant disruptions today, Saturday, February 21, 2026, due to a combination of long-term construction projects and several high-profile special events. Major arteries including I-35, Congress Avenue, and West 35th Street are seeing specific lane reductions and closures that will impact travel times throughout the afternoon and evening.

Major Roadwork and Lane Closures

The I-35 Capital Express Central project continues to affect traffic patterns near the city center. Following the long-term closure that began earlier this week, the northbound I-35 frontage road remains closed just north of Riverside Drive. Drivers are being routed through a new bypass lane to cross Lady Bird Lake, where traffic is restricted to a single lane. Pedestrians should note that the east path and north sidewalk on Riverside Drive are closed; please use the west sidewalk on the southbound bridge as an alternative.

In the downtown area, construction on Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez Street has triggered new restrictions. Northbound Congress Avenue is reduced to one lane, and westbound Cesar Chavez is down to two lanes. Notably, the left-turn lane from southbound Congress onto eastbound Cesar Chavez is prohibited. Commuters should use the detour at 2nd Street to reach their destination.

Special Event Impacts

Several events today will necessitate local street closures:

• ATX Open: The professional tennis tournament begins today at the Westwood Country Club. West 35th Street is closed from Mount Bonnell west to the end of the road. This closure is expected to remain in effect through the duration of the tournament.
• Cupid’s Undie Run: In the downtown core, West Avenue is closed between 6th and 9th Streets from noon until 3:00 p.m. Parking restrictions in the surrounding neighborhoods are being strictly enforced.
• Stadium Traffic: Expect heavy congestion in North Austin near Q2 Stadium for the Austin FC vs. Minnesota match, scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Similarly, the Moody Center will host the San Antonio Spurs I-35 Series tonight, which will increase traffic volume around the University of Texas campus.

CapMetro and Public Transit Updates

Capital Metro has implemented several detours to accommodate both construction and Saturday events. Riders on routes near Slaughter Lane and the I-35 southbound frontage road, as well as those traveling near Airport and Bolm, should expect rerouting. The downtown Farmer’s Market detour is also active today, affecting several lines. For those heading to Q2 Stadium, the McKalla Station remains the primary rail access point, with additional bus frequency planned for the match. Additionally, travelers heading to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should check flight statuses early, as nationwide aviation disruptions are causing significant delays locally.