I-35 Frontage Road Reductions and CapMetro Construction Detours Lead Wednesday Morning Commute

Morning Artery Overview: I-35 Construction Intensifies

Austin commuters should prepare for a slow crawl along the Interstate 35 corridor this morning, Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The ongoing I-35 Capital Express North project is currently in a high-activity phase, with frontage roads between SH 45 North and Grand Avenue Parkway reduced to a single lane in several stretches. This widening work is expected to cause significant bottlenecks for those merging onto the main lanes from the Wells Branch and Howard Lane areas.

In Central Austin, TxDOT crews are continuing preparatory work for the reconstruction of the I-35 bridges over Lady Bird Lake. While main lanes remain open, motorists should be alert for shifting barriers and temporary bypass lanes near Riverside Drive and Airport Boulevard. Further south, the Capital Express South project has active work zones near Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive, where elevated structures for future HOV lanes are now visible, often requiring overnight lane closures that may linger into the early morning hours.

CapMetro Service Alerts and Transit Updates

Public transport users are advised to check the CapMetro app before heading out, as several long-term infrastructure projects have triggered route detours. Key alerts for today include:

• Waterline Installation Detours: Ongoing work at Westgate and Lady Bird Lake will maintain active detours through the end of February.
• South Austin Disruptions: The Slaughter and IH-35 southbound frontage construction continues to impact local routes, with stop closures and temporary rerouting in effect until further notice.
• Riverside Area: Construction at Wickersham and Riverside Drive is currently causing minor delays for commuters heading toward the airport.

Additionally, CapMetro reminds riders that the new tap-to-pay system is fully operational across the bus fleet. Commuters can now use contactless credit cards or mobile wallets for a $2.50 daily fare cap, though physical paper day passes are being phased out in preparation for the summer 2026 system shift.

Local Road Hazards and Weather Precautions

Recent traffic reports indicate recurring hazards at major intersections. Commuters should exercise extra caution at the North Lamar Boulevard and West 5th Street junction, as well as the intersection of West North Loop Boulevard and Burnet Road, where minor incidents were reported late yesterday. With a cold front pushing through the Hill Country, temperatures this morning are dipping near freezing. While roads are currently dry, the low visibility during the early dawn hours combined with heavy construction equipment near the I-35 frontage roads makes defensive driving essential.

Commuter Advice

To avoid the heaviest congestion, consider using MoPac (Loop 1) or US 183 as alternatives to the I-35 corridor. If you are traveling through the I-35 North work zones, allow an extra 15-20 minutes for your commute and strictly adhere to the posted 55 MPH speed limits in construction areas to ensure the safety of road crews.