Permanent I-35 Closures and Residual Ice Create Challenging Monday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Austin commuters are facing a complex start to the week this Monday, February 2, 2026. Following a weekend of extreme cold and wintry precipitation, road conditions remain hazardous in several areas due to residual ice. Additionally, major permanent changes to the I-35 corridor have taken effect, requiring drivers to significantly alter their typical routes through the downtown area.

Hazardous Road Conditions

While temperatures have begun a slow climb toward the freezing mark, an Extreme Cold Warning remains a factor for the early morning hours. Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) warn that while many mainlanes have been treated, patches of black ice and frozen runoff are likely on elevated bridges, overpasses, and shaded neighborhood streets. Commuters are urged to reduce speeds and maintain significant following distances, as stopping times are still impacted by the slick surface conditions.

Major I-35 Permanent Closures

The landscape of downtown travel has officially changed as of yesterday. As part of the ongoing I-35 Capital Express Central project, two major access points have been permanently shuttered:

• Northbound I-35 Riverside Drive (Exit 233): This exit is now closed to all traffic to allow for the reconstruction of the Lady Bird Lake bridge.
• Northbound I-35 Holly Street Entrance and Exit (234A): These ramps have also been permanently removed from service.
• Woodland Avenue Crossing: Drivers are reminded that the vehicle crossing at Woodland Avenue was closed late last month and will remain inaccessible as crews transition the area into a future pedestrian bridge.

Drivers traveling northbound are advised to use the Woodland Avenue exit (232B) or the Cesar Chavez Street exit (234B) as primary detours to reach the frontage roads and downtown destinations.

CapMetro and Public Transit Updates

Capital Metro has resumed most services following Sunday's weather-related suspension. However, riders should expect delays as operators navigate icy patches. Several construction-related detours are currently active across the system, including:

• 12th Street: Utilities testing detours are in place between now and February 5.
• St. Johns: Ongoing milling and paving work continues to impact routes in the area through tomorrow.
• Domain and Esperanza: Construction detours remain in effect until February 3.

Construction Activity

Work on the I-35 Drainage Tunnel and Pump Station segment intensifies today, with new site work beginning at the Edgewood drop shaft. While this work is largely off the mainlanes, expect increased heavy equipment movement near the frontage roads. Commuters are encouraged to use the CapMetro App for real-time transit updates and to monitor local traffic maps for unexpected incidents throughout the morning peak.