Official Notice: Major I-35 Closure Begins Today; City Service Updates

Public Notice: Long-Term I-35 Frontage Road Closure

Starting today, Monday, February 9, 2026, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has implemented a significant, long-term closure of the northbound I-35 frontage road just north of Riverside Drive. This closure is a critical phase of the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central Project and is expected to remain in place through 2029. The shutdown is necessary to allow crews to safely construct a new stand-alone pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake.

To mitigate traffic impacts, TxDOT has opened a new Riverside Drive bypass lane. Drivers traveling northbound on the frontage road are instructed to utilize this bypass to continue their route. Additionally, a temporary south-to-north U-turn has been established at Woodland Avenue to assist with local connectivity. Commuters are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes such as MoPac or Lamar Boulevard during the initial adjustment period.

Austin ISD Public Meetings and Observances

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has several official proceedings scheduled for today, February 9. These meetings provide a platform for community input on essential district programs:

• Head Start Policy Council Meeting: This session will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to discuss administrative policies and program oversight.
• Special Education Family Advisory Committee Meeting: Scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., this meeting focuses on supporting students with diverse learning needs and gathering feedback from families.

The district also reminds residents that February is designated as African American Heritage Month and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This week specifically marks Food Service and Warehouse Workers Appreciation Week, recognizing the essential staff who support district operations.

City Council Update: Efficiency Audit Rescheduled

Following the regular City Council meeting on February 5, Mayor Kirk Watson has announced that the vote on the proposed Citywide Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment has been postponed. Originally slated for early February, the ordinance—which would mandate regular independent audits of all city departments—is now rescheduled for the February 26 council meeting. The delay is intended to allow for additional stakeholder feedback and the inclusion of amendments regarding employee-led cost-saving initiatives.

Public Health and Social Services

Residents are advised that the City of Austin has begun implementing approximately $5.2 million in budget cuts to social service contracts for the 2026 fiscal year. These adjustments affect departments including Public Health and the Homeless Strategy Office. Community members seeking assistance are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 for the most current information on available program resources and service availability.