I-35 Permanent Exit Closures and US 183/SH 71 Interchange Delays

Significant Changes to I-35 Northbound Access

Commuters traveling through downtown Austin today, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, must navigate major permanent changes to the I-35 corridor. As part of the ongoing I-35 Capital Express Central project, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has permanently closed two major northbound access points as of this week. Drivers can no longer use the Northbound I-35 Riverside Drive exit (Exit 233) or the Holly Street entrance and exit ramps (Exit 234A).

To navigate these closures, motorists should utilize the following detours:

• Northbound I-35 travelers: Use the Woodland Avenue exit (Exit 232B) or the Cesar Chavez Street exit (Exit 234B) to reach the frontage roads and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Frontage Road access: Mainlanes remain accessible via the Oltorf Street or Cesar Chavez Street entrance ramps.

Residual Delays at US 183 and SH 71 Interchange

Travelers heading toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should exercise caution at the US 183 and SH 71 interchange. Following a major fatal crash on Monday afternoon that shuttered several ramps, traffic flow may remain sluggish this morning as investigators conclude on-site work and crews finish clearing debris. While major lanes have largely reopened, expect intermittent slowing on the northbound SH 71 ramp heading toward Bastrop and at the US 183 transition.

Ongoing Construction and Nightly Roadworks

Several other long-term projects continue to impact local travel times today:

• Lady Bird Lake Bridge: Nightly closures of the south-to-north U-turn beneath the bridge remain in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures were recently extended into February following weather-related delays last month.
• Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway): Construction continues at the Westlake Drive and Cedar Street intersections. Reduced speed limits and lane shifts are in place as crews work on the grade-separated underpass project.
• US 183 North: Work is nearing completion on the new toll lanes between Braker Lane and SH 45. Expect heavy machinery and occasional shoulder closures in the far north Austin sector.

Public Transit and Commuter Tips

CapMetro reports that all bus and rail services are operating on a regular weekday schedule. There are no weather-related service suspensions today, as conditions have stabilized following the recent winter cold front. For those heading downtown, consider using the MetroRail or Express bus routes to avoid the heavy congestion expected near the I-35 Riverside detours. Temperatures today are expected to reach the low 70s under mostly cloudy skies, providing dry but overcast conditions for the drive home.