Icy Roads and Delayed Transit: Winter Storm Impacts Monday Commute

Winter Storm Leads to Hazardous Road Conditions

Austin commuters are facing significant travel disruptions this Monday, January 26, 2026, as a winter storm continues to impact Central Texas. With an Extreme Cold Warning in effect and temperatures remaining well below freezing, local authorities have reported widespread icy patches on major arteries, particularly on overpasses and elevated sections of I-35 and MoPac. City officials and emergency management leaders are urging residents to avoid all unnecessary travel until conditions improve later today.

CapMetro Announces Noon Delayed Start

Capital Metro has implemented a modified service schedule for the day, with all public transit operations starting at 12:00 p.m. This delay allows crews to assess track and road safety following the weekend's icy precipitation. Commuters should be prepared for the following adjustments:

• Canceled Services: All Express, Flyer, UT Shuttle, and Night Owl bus routes have been suspended for the duration of the day.
• Rail Service: The CapMetro Rail is scheduled to begin with the first northbound train departing Downtown at 12:22 p.m. and the first southbound train departing Howard Station at 12:29 p.m.
• Bus and Pickup: Most regular bus routes and Pickup zones will begin operating at noon, though the Lago Vista Pickup zone remains closed.

Major Roadwork and Permanent Closures

Beyond the weather, long-term infrastructure projects continue to reshape the morning commute. Drivers who typically cross I-35 at Woodland Avenue must adjust their routes permanently, as the crossing was recently closed to vehicle traffic to facilitate the I-35 Capital Express Central project. Detours are in place via Oltorf Street and Riverside Drive. In North Austin, the recently opened toll lanes on 183 North between MoPac and SH 45 North are operational, though variable pricing may fluctuate significantly as traffic patterns shift due to the weather.

In Southwest Austin, construction continues on the Oak Hill Parkway project. While the new Single Point Urban Interchange configuration at US 290 and SH 71 is active, drivers should remain alert for shifting lane patterns near the Y interchange, which can be particularly treacherous when slick. Additionally, ongoing work to bury the main lanes of Loop 360 at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street continues to limit shoulder access and may result in intermittent delays.

Commuter Safety Tips

For those who must commute today, transportation officials recommend checking for real-time lane closures before departing. Ensure your vehicle is fully cleared of ice and snow to maintain visibility, and increase your following distance significantly on the highway. While crews are actively treating critical routes, many neighborhood streets remain untreated and potentially dangerous.