Severe Storm Risk and Major I-35 Construction Impact Saturday Commutes

Severe Weather Advisory for Saturday Commuters

Austin drivers are facing a challenging Saturday on the roads as severe weather conditions coincide with major ongoing construction projects along the I-35 corridor. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for Central Texas this Saturday, March 7, 2026, placing the region under a level two risk for isolated severe storms. Commuters should prepare for the possibility of large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning throughout the day. Travel is expected to be hazardous during peak storm cells, and local authorities are urging residents to monitor real-time radar before heading out. Several outdoor community events have already been postponed or moved to late March due to these safety concerns.

I-35 Capital Express Project: Key Closures

The $4.5 billion I-35 reconstruction project continues to dictate traffic patterns through the heart of the city. As part of the ongoing Capital Express Central work, several permanent and long-term changes are in effect:

• Riverside & Holly Street: The northbound Riverside Drive exit and the Holly Street entrance and exit remain permanently closed. Drivers are encouraged to use the newly opened Riverside Drive bypass lane or the temporary Holly Street exit.
• MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge: Reconstruction of the bridge over I-35 has reduced travel lanes from four down to three. This is causing significant bottlenecks for those entering or leaving the University of Texas campus. Partial demolition of the north side of the bridge is active, and nightly full closures may occur.
• Lady Bird Lake: Crews are actively working on the reconstruction of the I-35 bridges over Lady Bird Lake, a major milestone for the project. Watch for intermittent lane shifts and reduced speed limits in this area.

CapMetro Service Alerts and Downtown Detours

Capital Metro has issued several alerts for Saturday riders. Due to construction and standard weekend events, the following disruptions are active:

• Republic Square Station: A significant southbound stop closure is in effect at Republic Square for Routes 1, 3, 801, and 803. Riders should check the CapMetro app for adjusted boarding locations.
• Riverside & Wickersham: Construction-related detours remain in place for routes serving the Riverside corridor, particularly near the I-35 bridge.
• Downtown Farmer's Market: As is standard for Saturday mornings, local detours are in place around the downtown area to accommodate the weekly market, affecting bus lines near the city center.

Looking Ahead: Events and Upcoming Repairs

While the South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 festivals do not officially begin until March 12, pre-festival setup is already impacting curb space and parking in the downtown core. With the Austin Convention Center closed for reconstruction, this year's decentralized footprint means increased commercial traffic and equipment loading across various neighborhoods today. Additionally, drivers in North Austin should prepare for nightly closures of the U.S. 290/I-35 flyovers starting tomorrow, Sunday, March 8, as TxDOT begins essential bridge joint repairs.