Austin Traffic Update: Winter Storm Recovery Continues with Major 183 North Weekend Closures

Commute Overview for Friday, January 30, 2026

Austin commuters can expect a return to near-normal road conditions this morning as the city transitions out of the emergency response phase following the major ice storm earlier this week. While the primary precipitation has moved out of the area, the City of Austin and local transportation officials continue to monitor for potential refreezing and black ice, particularly during the early morning hours on shaded overpasses and bridges.

Major Roadworks and Lane Closures

Commuters should prepare for significant weekend construction activity starting tonight, specifically on the city's north side. Key alerts include:

• US 183 North (Research Blvd): A major continuous closure is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM tonight, January 30. Two main lanes of Northbound US 183 will be closed between Braker Lane and Duval Road through Monday morning at 6:00 AM. Expect heavy delays in the Jollyville and Arboretum areas throughout the weekend.
• I-35 Capital Express Central: Ongoing overhaul work continues between US 290 and SH 71. While most daytime lanes are open, crews are working to catch up on delays caused by the recent winter weather, so be alert for sudden maintenance vehicles on the shoulders.
• US 183 North Frontage: The nightly entrance ramp closure from Braker Lane to Balcones Woods is scheduled to conclude its final shift early this morning at 6:00 AM, providing some relief for the morning rush.

Public Transport and CapMetro Updates

CapMetro has officially resumed standard operating procedures as of Wednesday, and all MetroBus, MetroRail, and MetroAccess services are running on regular schedules today. Commuters are reminded that the January service changes are now in full effect, including:

• Route 935 (Tech Ridge Express): This route has been permanently realigned to MoPac to avoid I-35 construction impacts.
• High-Frequency Routes: Minor schedule adjustments are in place for Routes 1, 3, 4, 325, 801, and 803 to better reflect current traffic flow in the post-storm environment.

Evening Travel and Events

For those heading downtown this evening, be aware of localized traffic near the 3TEN ACL Live venue for the "Kings of Southern Rock Tribute" show. Additionally, with the general ticket sale for George Strait’s Moody Center shows beginning at 10:00 AM this morning, expect slightly higher pedestrian activity and potential short-term congestion near the University of Texas campus and downtown ticket outlets.

Commuters are advised to continue using caution on neighborhood streets where drainage from melting ice may still lead to slick spots during the commute home tonight as temperatures drop back toward freezing.