Austin, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is advancing a major phase of the I‑35 Capital Express Central project in Austin, focused on reconstructing the Lady Bird Lake bridge and improving the busy interstate section through downtown.
What’s New as of Early February 2026
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Permanent closures on northbound I‑35: Starting Sunday, February 1, 2026, TxDOT permanently closed two key northbound exits:
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Riverside Drive exit (Exit 233)
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Holly Street entrance and exit (Exit 234A)
These closures are specifically to make room for bridge reconstruction work on the Lady Bird Lake segment of the project. Drivers are advised to use the Woodland Avenue exit (232B) or the Cesar Chavez Street exit (234B) instead and follow detour signage on the frontage road.
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Entrance ramp reopening and ongoing work: The northbound Cesar Chavez entrance ramp, which had been closed since July 2025 for drainage tunnel excavation, was scheduled to reopen in early February 2026. Construction activity will also begin at the Edgewood drop shaft as crews advance work on drainage tunnels under I‑35.
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Extended night closures: Due to recent winter weather delays, late‑night closures on I‑35 tied to construction areas, including around Lady Bird Lake, have been extended through mid‑February.
Why This Matters
The closures are part of the broader $4.5 billion I‑35 Capital Express Central project, which aims to overhaul nearly 8 miles of interstate through Austin, improve safety and mobility, and modernize infrastructure including bridges and ramps. The Lady Bird Lake bridge segment is one of the most complex and impactful portions of this rebuild.
Traffic Impacts & What Drivers Should Know
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Drivers heading north on I‑35 downtown should plan to exit early or use detours at Woodland Avenue or Cesar Chavez Street to access the frontage road, as the Riverside Drive and Holly Street exits are now permanently shut in their current configurations.
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Signs will be installed throughout the corridor to guide motorists through work zones and alternative routes during construction.
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With additional work underway on drainage systems and bridge reconstruction, drivers should expect intermittent delays, nightly lane reductions, and occasional work‑zone closures over the coming months as part of ongoing construction efforts.
What’s Ahead
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The Lady Bird Lake bridge reconstruction is a multi‑year effort within the larger project. While some detours and closures are now permanent, many elements of reconstruction, including main lane rebuilds and pedestrian improvements, will continue through late 2026 and beyond.
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TxDOT plans to maintain vehicular access throughout construction, but lane shifts, closures, and detours will be part of daily travel in the downtown Austin corridor for the foreseeable future.
