Northbound I-35 Closures and Lady Gaga Concert to Impact Sunday Commutes

Sunday Morning Traffic and Weather Overview

Commuters and travelers in Austin should prepare for a mix of scheduled construction delays and event-related congestion this Sunday, March 8, 2026. While Sunday mornings are typically light, a significant closure on the city's southern artery and a major concert at the Moody Center will create localized bottlenecks. Additionally, the National Weather Service has flagged the potential for intermittent heavy downpours along the I-35 corridor through the morning hours, which may result in slick conditions and reduced visibility.

Major Highway Alerts: I-35 and US 290

The most significant impact to morning travel involves the I-35 Capital Express South Project. TxDOT has confirmed that the northbound main lanes of I-35 between Slaughter Lane and Ben White Boulevard are scheduled to remain closed until 10:00 a.m. today. Drivers heading north from South Austin are being detoured to exit 228, where they must navigate the frontage roads and the SH 71 intersection before re-entering the main lanes. This detour is expected to cause 15-to-20-minute delays for early travelers.

In Southwest Austin, the Oak Hill Parkway project continues to reshape the intersection of US 290 and SH 71. While the newly opened eastbound main lanes provide some relief, construction crews are currently pouring concrete for the SH 71 flyovers. Motorists should stay alert for shifting lane patterns and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway near 'The Y'.

Public Transit and CapMetro Detours

CapMetro riders should plan for several construction-related detours affecting major routes today. Significant service adjustments include:

• Riverside and I-35: Detours remain in place due to ongoing bridge construction, affecting routes serving the East Riverside corridor.
• South Austin: Route detours are active at the intersection of Slaughter Lane and the I-35 southbound frontage road.
• North Austin: Maintenance work on Yager Lane continues to impact local service through late March.
• Night Owl Service: Late-night commuters should check for stop closures as long-term construction detours remain active across the system.

Evening Event Traffic and Safety Enforcement

The Moody Center will host Lady Gaga: The Mayhem Ball at 8:00 p.m., which will cause heavy traffic disruptions around the University of Texas campus and the Red River Cultural District starting as early as 5:00 p.m. Expect road closures and parking restrictions near the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge and the I-35 lower deck exits. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has officially launched its Spring Break enforcement campaign. Troopers are out in high numbers across the Austin metro area today, specifically targeting speeding and impaired driving.

Airport and Travel Turmoil

For those heading to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), be advised that over 100 delays and 22 flight cancellations have been reported this morning. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, as operational pressures are affecting major carriers including American, Southwest, and Delta.