Icy Conditions and Refreezing Lead to Delayed Starts and Limited Transit Tuesday

Hazardous Morning Road Conditions

Commuters in Austin should exercise extreme caution this Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026. While Monday saw a brief thaw, overnight temperatures have dropped back into the teens and single digits, causing widespread refreezing of any remaining moisture on the roadways. City officials and meteorologists warn that shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses are particularly dangerous. Black ice remains a significant threat, especially on elevated structures such as the MoPac Express Lanes and major flyovers at the SH 45 and US-183 interchange.

A permanent and significant change to the local commute also took effect recently: the Woodland Avenue vehicle crossing at I-35 is now closed forever as part of the I-35 Capital Express project. Drivers who previously used this underpass to cross the interstate must now utilize detours at Oltorf Street or Riverside Drive, which is adding to congestion in the South Austin area.

Public Transit and Service Resumption

Capital Metro has announced a modified schedule for today. All bus, rail, Pickup, and Bikeshare services are operating on a delayed start and are expected to resume limited service beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon. Before noon, CapMetro Access is only providing essential, life-sustaining trips. Commuters should be aware that some routes remain fully canceled for the day, including Route 50 (Round Rock/Tech Ridge). Additionally, Flyer and Express routes may face continued disruptions depending on bridge conditions along the I-35 and MoPac corridors.

School and Facility Closures

Due to the persistent icy conditions on neighborhood streets and the risk of refreezing, several major institutions have adjusted their operations for Tuesday:

• Austin ISD & UT Austin: All classes and campus activities are canceled for Tuesday, January 27.
• City of Austin: City offices, libraries, and municipal facilities will operate on a two-hour delay.
• Travis County: County offices and courthouses remain closed today.
• CTRMA: Walk-up customer service centers on Burnet Road and Rutherford Lane have a delayed opening scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

Safe Commuting Tips

For those who must be on the roads before the noon thaw, safety is the top priority. Increase your following distance significantly, as braking on ice requires much more space than on dry pavement. The Austin-Travis County EMS has reported a high volume of weather-related collisions over the last 48 hours; avoid sudden steering movements or hard braking. If you encounter a skid, steer into the direction of the slide and avoid slamming on the brakes. Residents are encouraged to delay all non-essential travel until after noon when temperatures are expected to rise above freezing.