Winter Storm Alert: All CapMetro Services Suspended at 4 PM; Hazardous Icing Expected on Major Arteries

Emergency Transit Suspension and Weather Alerts

Austin commuters and residents are advised to conclude all non-essential travel as soon as possible today, Saturday, January 24, 2026. Due to an approaching winter storm and the high probability of ice accumulation on local roadways, Capital Metro (CapMetro) has announced that all regular services—including Bus, Rail, Pickup, and Access—will be suspended starting at 4:00 p.m. today. MetroBike services will also be disabled at the same time, though bikes can still be returned to docks after the deadline. This suspension is intended to protect passengers and staff from increasingly hazardous driving conditions expected as temperatures plummet this evening.

Hazardous Road Conditions and EOC Activation

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Austin and Travis County area, effective until noon on Sunday, January 25. Forecasters are predicting ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch within the city, with even higher totals possible in the Hill Country. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is scheduled to activate at noon today to coordinate the regional response. While TxDOT crews have been pre-treating major highways and bridges with brine and magnesium chloride, the effectiveness of these treatments may be limited by ongoing precipitation. Drivers should anticipate that bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas will freeze first, making travel nearly impossible by nightfall.

Major Construction and Permanent Roadway Changes

In addition to the weather-related hazards, several ongoing infrastructure projects will impact traffic flows for those who must be on the road before the storm intensifies:

• I-35 and Woodland Avenue: A major permanent change is now in effect. The Woodland Avenue vehicle crossing under I-35 has been closed forever as part of the I-35 Capital Express Central project. Drivers who previously used this crossing must now detour via Oltorf Street or Riverside Drive.
• I-35 Capital Express North: Frontage roads between SH 45 North and Grand Avenue Parkway are experiencing significant lane reductions. Crews are currently widening these roads, and drivers should expect various sections to be reduced to a single lane throughout the weekend.
• Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway): Ongoing construction continues at the intersections of Westlake Drive and Cedar Street. While work may be paused due to the weather, existing lane shifts and equipment proximity remain a factor for those traveling through West Austin.

Public Support and Shelter Transportation

Despite the general suspension of services, CapMetro is providing complimentary fare-free rides for individuals seeking transportation to city-operated cold weather shelters. Registration for these shelters is available at One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road. However, these shuttle services will also be subject to safety evaluations as road conditions deteriorate. If you are not seeking a warming center or emergency services, authorities strongly urge you to stay off the roads after the noon EOC activation.