Lane Reductions on I-35 and Downtown Closures Impact Friday Commute

Morning Outlook for Austin Commuters

Austin drivers should prepare for a slower Friday morning commute as major arterial projects reach critical phases this week. With cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 60s, visibility remains fair, but significant lane reductions and new detours are in place across the central corridor and downtown district. Commuters are advised to allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes for travel through the I-35 and Lady Bird Lake area.

I-35 Capital Express Central Construction

The reconstruction of the I-35 corridor through the heart of Austin remains the primary source of congestion. As of this morning, the following impacts are active near Lady Bird Lake:

• Northbound I-35 Frontage Road: Access to the frontage road just north of Riverside Drive is closed. Drivers are being rerouted through a new Riverside Drive bypass lane.
• Lady Bird Lake Bridge: Traffic on the northbound frontage road crossing the lake is reduced to a single lane. Heavy merging delays are expected during peak hours.
• Holly Street Area: A new temporary Holly Street exit (234A) and a north-to-south U-turn at Holly Street are open. The pedestrian boardwalk ramp at Riverside Drive remains closed.
• Southbound I-35: Long-term closures continue on the southbound frontage road entrance ramp from Old Austin Road to the mainlanes.

Downtown and Congress Avenue Restrictions

Travel through the downtown core is restricted due to ongoing mobility upgrades. Significant lane closures began earlier this week at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Cesar Chavez Street:

• Congress Avenue: Northbound traffic is reduced to a single outside lane near Cesar Chavez Street.
• Cesar Chavez Street: Westbound travel is reduced to two lanes.
• Turn Prohibitions: Left-hand turns from southbound Congress Avenue onto eastbound Cesar Chavez are currently prohibited. Drivers should use 2nd Street as a detour.

CapMetro Transit Alerts

Public transport users should be aware of several active detours and stop closures that may affect their morning routine. Significant stop closures are in effect at Republic Square and the UT Dean Keeton Station for routes 1, 3, 30, 481, 801, and 803. Additionally, construction detours are active on the following routes:

• Wickersham and Riverside: Ongoing detours through late February.
• Ross and Pearce Road: Construction-related rerouting is in place through May.
• Slaughter Lane: Detours remain at the I-35 southbound frontage road intersection.

North Austin Improvements

On a positive note, the 183 North Project is nearing its final stages. The first new toll lanes on northbound US 183 from Burnet Road to SH 45 are now open, providing some relief for those traveling toward Cedar Park and Round Rock. However, minor lane shifts persist as crews finalize guardrail and utility work.