News Summary
Austin is set to experience significant changes with the initiation of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project, affecting several key city areas. The multi-billion dollar construction will lower the roadway, add two non-toll lanes in each direction, and improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Local residents are concerned about the project’s impact on recreational access, especially for activities like kayaking and fishing. TxDOT aims to minimize disruptions and keep traffic flowing. The project is expected to complete by 2033, promoting a more walkable, bike-friendly city while addressing traffic congestion.
Austin is set to undergo significant changes as the I-35 Capital Express Central Project begins, impacting several popular city spaces and requiring closure of certain areas along the highway. The construction zone will span I-35 between 290 East and Highway 71 at Ben White Boulevard, requiring steep adjustments for local residents and visitors alike.
As part of this multi-billion dollar initiative, work will commence on lowering the roadway while also adding two non-toll lanes in each direction. Project plans include the rebuilding of important east-west cross-street bridges and the creation of new pedestrian and bicycle paths intended to enhance connectivity across the city.
In preparation for the construction, the parking lot located under the I-35 bridge will be closed to facilitate equipment storage. Furthermore, there will be temporary closures of short segments of the nearby trail starting in 2026, as bridge replacements ramp up. These trail segments will close for about a week at a time, with plans to implement detours on both the north and south shores, although details regarding these alternate routes are still pending.
Local stakeholders and residents have raised concerns about how this project may affect their recreational activities. Some community members, including regular users of the area for kayaking and fishing, are worried that construction could limit access to their favorite spots. Other residents recognize the long-term advantages of the project but acknowledge the inconveniences that come with construction operations.
TxDOT, the Texas Department of Transportation, is committed to minimizing disruption for those using the trails and has prioritized keeping access routes open during the construction phase. To keep the community informed, TxDOT will issue public notifications regarding anticipated detours and closures.
The expansive $4.5 billion project is expected to culminate in 2033. In addition to modifying the roadway structure, it involves strategic enhancements to pedestrian and cyclist safety. The design also aims to integrate public park spaces over segments of the highway, which seeks to reconnect neighborhoods that have historically been divided by the thoroughfare.
In conjunction with these developments, plans to permanently close the MLK Boulevard exit are also on the horizon, along with organized phases of construction aimed at alleviating traffic disruptions. Throughout the construction process, TxDOT plans to maintain at least three lanes of traffic open at all times, allowing for continued traffic flow even during peak hours.
This project is not without challenges; TxDOT is currently facing litigation concerning potential displacements and associated environmental impacts from the development. As the project unfolds, the ongoing construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge segment has already commenced, paving the way for additional necessary upgrades.
As the I-35 Capital Express Central Project advances, enhancements to pedestrian and bike crossings are also planned to ensure safer access across the highway. The anticipated modifications are designed to promote improved connectivity, making Austin a more walkable and bike-friendly city while addressing longstanding congestion issues through downtown.
As the situation develops, residents and visitors will need to adjust to the changes that come with this major infrastructure project. TxDOT’s continued communication and neighborly cooperation may help mitigate some of the anticipated inconveniences during this crucial upgrade of one of Austin’s primary transportation corridors.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: MLK Boulevard Exit Closure
- KXAN: I-35 Central Project Groundbreaking Ceremony
- FOX 7 Austin: I-35 Expansion Construction Update
- WSP: Texas CapEx Central I-35 Expansion
- KVUE: I-35 Capital Express North Project Safety Concerns
- Wikipedia: Interstate 35 in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Interstate System
- Google Search: I-35 Austin project
- Google News: I-35 Capital Express
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
