I-35 Frontage Road Closure Delayed; Lady Bird Lake Bridge Reduced to One Lane

Morning Commute Overview for Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Austin commuters can breathe a small sigh of relief this morning as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has officially postponed a significant long-term closure originally scheduled to begin this week. However, while the full closure of the northbound I-35 frontage road near Riverside Drive has been pushed back to Monday, February 16, several major traffic pattern changes are already in effect that will impact your drive into downtown Austin today.

I-35 Capital Express Central Impacts

The primary focus for drivers today is the segment of I-35 near Lady Bird Lake. Although the total frontage road shutdown was delayed, crews have already transitioned traffic to accommodate the next phase of the $4.5 billion expansion project. Here is what you need to know for your Tuesday morning drive:

• Frontage Road Bottleneck: Northbound frontage road traffic crossing the Lady Bird Lake bridge has been reduced to a single lane. This is expected to cause significant stacking during peak morning hours.
• Bypass Lanes Open: A new Riverside Drive bypass lane is now operational. Drivers heading north on the I-35 frontage road should use this bypass to continue their route.
• U-Turn Changes: A temporary south-to-north U-turn at Woodland Avenue is now open to assist with local mobility. Additionally, a new Holly Street exit (234A) and a north-to-south U-turn at Holly Street are available for those navigating the eastern edge of downtown.
• Pedestrian Detours: The east pedestrian path and the north sidewalk on Riverside Drive are closed. Pedestrians and cyclists are being rerouted to the west sidewalk on the southbound I-35 frontage road bridge to cross the lake.

Construction Zones on I-35 North

In North Austin, the I-35 Capital Express North project continues to cause minor delays. Expect intermittent lane reductions on both the northbound and southbound frontage roads between SH 45 North and Grand Avenue Parkway. Crews are currently widening the frontage roads, and traffic is often funneled into a single lane in active work zones. Drivers are urged to maintain reduced speeds and watch for equipment moving near the shoulder.

CapMetro Transit Updates and New Features

For those utilizing public transit, CapMetro has introduced a major convenience for bus riders this month. As of February 1, the new "Tap to Pay" feature is live across nearly all bus routes, excluding Routes 214 and 990. Commuters can now use contactless credit or debit cards, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, directly on the bus scanners.

Current detours to keep on your radar include the Westgate waterline installation, which continues to impact routes in South Austin through mid-February, and ongoing construction detours at Airport and Bolm. Transit users are encouraged to check the CapMetro app for real-time adjustments to their specific routes.

Safety Reminder

With mild, dry weather conditions expected throughout the day, visibility should be clear. However, with the sudden postponement of the Riverside closure, many drivers may be confused by the new lane configurations. Please stay alert for changing signage and temporary pedestrian signals recently installed at Manlove Street and Edgecliff Terrace.