Lingering Ice Patches and Heavy I-35 Construction Delays Following Winter Storm Thaw

Morning Commute Overview

As Austin continues to recover from the winter storm that impacted Central Texas earlier this week, commuters for Thursday, January 29, 2026, should prepare for a mix of lingering weather-related hazards and significant construction-related delays. While the city has largely thawed out and regular transit services resumed on Wednesday, city officials warn that shaded overpasses and elevated structures may still harbor stubborn ice patches during the early morning hours when temperatures remain low.

Major Construction and Roadworks

The I-35 Capital Express Central project remains the primary source of congestion for those traveling through the urban core. Specifically, work on the Lady Bird Lake segment has ramped up this month. Commuters should expect narrowed lanes and shifting traffic patterns near downtown. A particular point of interest today is the ongoing wastewater pipeline relocation near the Festival Beach Food Forest. This work, conducted by TxDOT on behalf of Austin Water, is necessary for the highway expansion but has led to localized lane closures on the frontage roads and increased truck traffic near the lake.

To mitigate the impact of this multi-year expansion, transportation officials have redirected several transit routes. Notably, the Route 935 Tech Ridge Express has been shifted from I-35 to MoPac (Loop 1). This change is intended to provide a more reliable travel time by avoiding the most volatile construction zones on the interstate.

CapMetro Service Updates

Commuters utilizing public transit should be aware that the January 2026 service changes are now in full effect. These updates include:

• Route 935: Now running primarily via MoPac instead of I-35 to bypass construction delays.
• Route 485 (Night Owl): Realignment in the Mueller and East 6th Street areas to improve connectivity for late-shift workers and entertainment district patrons.
• Pickup Zones: Minor adjustments to Pickup service boundaries have been implemented to better serve high-demand neighborhoods.

While the Winter Weather Alert from earlier in the week has expired, CapMetro advises riders to check digital signage at stations, as minor delays may still occur while the system returns to full operational frequency.

Commuter Advice for Thursday

For those driving, the heaviest congestion is expected between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on southbound I-35 from US 290 to the Ben White interchange. If your route permits, using MoPac or the 183A Toll road may provide a smoother experience, though these routes are also seeing higher volumes due to the I-35 diversions. Always maintain a safe following distance, as road surfaces may still be slick in areas that did not receive direct sunlight yesterday.