Austin’s I-35 Overhaul: Where the Capital Express Central Project Stands Now
Austin’s most ambitious infrastructure undertaking in generations is well underway — and getting more complicated by the month.
The $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project, a centerpiece of TxDOT’s broader MyMobility35 program, broke ground in October 2024 with a sweeping mandate: lower the main lanes, remove the aging upper decks, add non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle lanes, and stitch back together a city that has been divided by a highway for 70 years.
The work spans roughly eight miles of corridor from Highway 290 in the north to Highway 71 in the south. But as construction ramps up heading into 2026, the project is showing signs of both progress and strain.
What’s Active Right Now
Three segments are currently under active construction, and drivers in central Austin are feeling all of them.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard area is the hottest zone right now. Crews have been reconstructing the MLK Bridge near the University of Texas campus, and the expected completion for that bridge reconstruction is spring or summer 2026.
Nightly lane closures on I-35 between the 15th Street and Manor Road exits have been occurring to accommodate demolition work, with full MLK Bridge closures on evenings with active demolition. UT has warned its community to expect significant travel delays in and out of campus on MLK Boulevard for the foreseeable future.
The Lady Bird Lake segment — perhaps the most complex piece — kicked off construction in early 2025. The work here involves rebuilding the I-35 bridge over Lady Bird Lake, constructing a new single-point urban interchange at Riverside Drive, adding a pedestrian-only bridge at Woodland Avenue, and improving bike and pedestrian paths along the corridor. Major bridge work on the Lady Bird Lake Bridge itself is set to begin in late 2026. This segment is expected to run through 2033.
🚧 @TxDOT I-35 Capital Express Central Project Detour 🚧
— ATX Transportation and Public Works (@austinmobility) January 30, 2026
Woodland Avenue under I-35 is closed as crews begin construction of temporary U-turns at the intersection.
Please refer to the map for detour information. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/v7WcK6KebK pic.twitter.com/iULE3aiVk2
The parking lot underneath the I-35 bridges next to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail will close on Sun., 8/10/25, due to work on TxDOT's I-35 Capital Express Central project. The project, led & managed by TxDOT, is slated to be completed in 2033. More info: https://t.co/s2nH7W1HFR pic.twitter.com/31HfrirCOs
— Austin Parks & Rec (@AustinCityParks) August 6, 2025
Meanwhile, a drainage tunnel and pump station project started in May 2025, with a targeted completion date of 2029. Construction has reduced River Street near I-35 to one lane in each direction, and the southbound I-35 frontage road at River Street is closed through mid-2028.
Schedule Complications and a Key Delay
The most significant development in recent months is a structural shift in how the overall project will be delivered — and it has introduced a three-year delay for some of the most consequential elements.
TxDOT decided to split the Capital Express Central project into two separate bid packages due to the sheer size of the work. The first, an “advanced construction package,” goes to bid in 2027 and covers overpasses and utility work. The second, the “ultimate construction package,” won’t go to bid until 2029 — pushing the start of major roadway rebuilding back from 2026 to 2029.
That delay has created an awkward situation for Austin’s cap and stitch plans. The city’s vision of building “caps” — large decks that could host green space, trails, and even buildings over the sunken highway — and narrower “stitches” for pedestrians and cyclists has been caught in a funding deadline crunch. Despite the construction delay, TxDOT has moved up the deadline for the city to commit funding for the horizontal cap decks from November 2026 to May 2026. City Council is expected to vote on that commitment in the spring, following a March 2026 work session where staff will present a financing plan.
The city committed $104 million in May 2025 for roadway support elements, but the full cap deck funding represents a much larger financial undertaking, with significant payments tied to later construction years.
What’s Coming Next
Beyond the downtown core, additional segments are waiting in the wings. The University segment from Highway 290 to MLK Boulevard and the Downtown segment from MLK to Holly Street are both anticipated to begin in late 2026, with completion expected around 2033.
For drivers, the stretch from the UT campus south through downtown Austin to Lady Bird Lake will remain the most consistently disrupted corridor for years to come. The Northbound Cesar Chavez entrance ramp is closed through early 2026, and several east-side pedestrian paths near Levander Loop won’t reopen until 2028.
The broader picture is one of a city committed to a transformative project but navigating real financial and logistical complexity. The deadline for Austin to determine the scope of its caps may well define what this redesigned I-35 ultimately looks like — not just as a highway, but as a piece of the city’s urban fabric.
Austin City Council met Thursday for its Regular Meeting.
## New Vehicle Engine Noise Ordinance
Council approved an amendment to City Code Chapter 12-1 specifically targeting “unreasonable noise” from vehicles, following years of complaints about racing and “rev-bombing” on corridors like RM 2222.
- The Offense: It is now a Class C misdemeanor to intentionally or recklessly cause loud or disturbing noise/vibrations through the exhaust of a motor vehicle.
- The “85 Decibel” Rule: A noise is presumed to be a public nuisance if it exceeds 85 decibels after a person has already received notice from an officer.
- Specific Prohibited Behaviors:
- Racing or revving the engine while stationary or in motion.
- “Quick up-shifting” or “quick down-shifting” to cause loud exhaust pops.
- Excessive bursts of acceleration in non-emergency situations.
- Enforcement: Police will use a 30-day grace period starting in March 2026 to issue warnings and educate the public before issuing formal citations.
#ATXCouncil adds an ordinance to the City Code which addresses loud or disturbing noise or vibration from a vehicle in Austin. A noise is presumed a violation if it exceeds 85 decibels after an officer warns the person that the noise is a public nuisance. 👮 pic.twitter.com/IexMRr86hO
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) February 26, 2026
Approved Construction Contracts
The following major infrastructure projects were authorized to begin in early 2026:
1. 7th St & Springdale Rd Improvements
- Contractor: MA Smith Contracting Co., Inc.
- Amount: $2,178,075 (including a 10% contingency).
- Scope: This is a safety-driven project (Vision Zero) to reconfigure the intersection. It includes installing raised medians, upgrading signal infrastructure, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
- Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in March 2026 and last approximately five months.
2. Colony Park Water Pipeline Renewal
- Contractor: HEI Civil Texas, LLC.
- Amount: $7,838,988.
- Scope: Replacement of approximately 13,000 linear feet (nearly 2.5 miles) of aging 12-inch water lines.
- Location: The neighborhood area bounded by Loyola Lane, Johnny Morris Road, and Colony Loop in East Austin.
3. Merion Circle Water & Wastewater Renewal
- Contractor: Packsaddle Management, LLC.
- Amount: $2,248,433.
- Scope: Replacing deteriorated mains with a history of breaks along Merion Circle, Newport Lane, and Langwood Drive.
- Impact: The contract allows for 240 days to complete the work. Residents will maintain driveway access daily, though temporary service interruptions are expected during “tie-ins” to the new pipes.
#ATXCouncil extends agreement with @familyeldercare to continue serving Austin residents aged 55 or older so they can live independently + be protected from becoming victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 👵 pic.twitter.com/0y4Em7h2Sn
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) February 26, 2026
How this impacts you
If you live in District 1 (Merion Circle) or District 3 (7th/Springdale), expect to see “Road Work Ahead” signs appearing within the next month. For those in West Austin or near residential corridors, you may notice increased police monitoring for loud exhausts as the new ordinance enters its warning phase.
Social Services & Housing Strategy
Council is moving away from broad grant-making toward a “prioritization model” due to a projected $16.8 million budget reduction for social services in the coming fiscal year.
- The “Social Services Rubric” (Item 56): Council directed the City Manager to create a tool to rank existing social service contracts. This rubric will be used to decide which programs are fully funded, partially funded, or eliminated based on:
- Whether the service is “essential for human life” (food, housing, life-saving care).
- The “Return on Investment” (how much it saves other city departments, like police or EMS).
- Availability of other local, state, or federal funding for that specific service.
- New Homelessness Strategic Plan: Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations unveiled its inaugural 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. It shifts focus toward “System Leadership,” consolidating various disparate outreach efforts into a more coordinated city-wide response.+1
- Esperanza II Commitment (Item 49): Despite budget tightening, Council committed $15.6 million over the next two years for the operating costs of the planned “Esperanza II” emergency shelter. This commitment was necessary to unlock $48 million in federal funding for the project’s construction.
Public Health & Civil Rights
- HIV/AIDS Support (Item 43): Even with wider budget cuts, Council finalized nearly $800,000 in agreements with six local agencies (including ASHwell and Project Transitions) to provide medical and housing support for people living with HIV through early 2027.
- Health Monitoring (Item 31): Authorized an increase in funding for FirstWatch, a data monitoring tool used across city departments to track real-time health trends and emergency response metrics.
- Civilian Workforce Consultation (Item 36): Approved a new policy for formal consultation between the City Manager’s office and AFSCME Local 1624, ensuring city employees have a structured voice in discussions about future workforce changes.
Community & Administrative Actions
- Board & Commission Appointments: Re-appointed multiple members to the Austin Public Facilities Corporation and the Pilot Knob MUD board to maintain oversight of affordable housing and utility developments (Items 12, 37).
- Enterprise Designation (Item 82): Nominated UPS for the “Texas Enterprise Project” status. This is a state-level designation that provides tax incentives for businesses to invest in specific geographic areas (in this case, Tuscany Way) without requiring direct city funds.
- Cultural Support: Approved fee waivers for Muslim Heritage Month (January 31) and the Cupid’s Undie Run (February 21), highlighting the city’s role in supporting local cultural and charitable events (Items 51, 52).
Summary Table of Key Decisions
| Area | Key Action | Goal |
| Budgeting | Social Services Rubric | Determine which nonprofits keep city funding in 2027. |
| Housing | Esperanza II Funding | Secure $48M in federal construction money. |
| Employment | AFSCME Consultation | Formalize union input on city workforce policy. |
| Economic | UPS Enterprise Nom. | Encourage business investment without direct city cost. |
Aviation & Infrastructure
The most significant financial actions involved the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
- Expansion Funding: Approved the issuance of $1.4 billion in revenue bonds ($350M Non-AMT and $1.05B AMT) to fund airport expansion projects (Items 10, 11).
- Lease Agreements: Renewed a management agreement with Signature Flight Support and consolidated long-term cargo leases for Federal Express Corporation (Items 2, 3).
- Utilities: Authorized multiple water and wastewater pipeline renewal contracts totaling over $10 million (Items 14, 15, 16).
Public Health & Social Services
Council significantly increased funding for mental health and homelessness initiatives.
- Mental Health: Added over $2 million for the Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Team and increased funding for clinical oversight at The Sobering Center (Items 5, 6).
- Homelessness: Approved a $20 million contract with The Other Ones Foundation for bridge shelter operations and an $8 million agreement for shelter services at the Marshalling Yard (Items 25, 34).
- HIV Services: Authorized nearly $3.2 million in aggregate agreements with six local agencies to provide medical and housing support (Item 43).
Public Safety & Legal
- Noise Ordinance: Approved an amendment to the City Code specifically targeting vehicle engine noise, creating a new offense (Item 38).
- Police Training: Established an agreement with Austin Community College to provide college credits to APD cadets (Item 39).
- Legal Fees: Authorized $455,500 in additional funds for legal representation in the Glen and Mindy Shield v. City of Austin federal case (Item 4).
Today at City Council:
— Jen Robichaux (@JenRobichaux) February 26, 2026
On Item 4, I urged council to settle with the Shields, see their story below.
On the audit ordinance, I expressed skepticism that a supermajority requirement to edit the ordinance would safeguard voters, because they too often vote unanimously, and… https://t.co/iaolyPYKeR
Zoning & Land Use
The Council held several public hearings regarding the “disannexation” of properties and neighborhood plan amendments.
- Disannexation: Approved the removal of several properties (Cliffwood Dr., N. Weston Ln., Pearce Rd., and Westlake Dr.) from the City’s boundary limits under state law (Items 59–62).
- Lantana & North Loop: Approved rezoning for commercial use at W. William Cannon Drive and commercial-liquor sales at W. North Loop Blvd (Items 71, 76).
- Montopolis: Approved land use changes to “Mixed Use” on first reading, though a related density bonus rezoning was withdrawn (Items 67, 69).
Council & Administration
- Efficiency: Established a citywide Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment Program under the City Auditor (Item 50).
Today, Council unanimously passed my reform of a Citywide Efficiency Assessment ordinance.
— Mayor Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) February 27, 2026
Never has Austin attempted a citywide review of this level of thoughtfulness and rigor. This will be a systemic, ongoing, and independent efficiency assessment of our city’s operations.… pic.twitter.com/niUqzAPMrw
- Personnel: Conducted performance evaluations for the City Manager, City Clerk, Municipal Court Clerk, and City Auditor (Items 63–66).
- Community Support: Approved fee waivers for several community events, including Muslim Heritage Month and Cupid’s Undie Run (Items 51, 52).
Summary of Significant Postponements/Withdrawals
| Item | Description | Status |
| 46 | Capital Metro Climate Pollution Grant ($5M) | Withdrawn |
| 83 | Ordinance for larger electronic billboards/signs | Postponed Indefinitely |
| 80 | Rezoning for liquor sales on E. Cesar Chavez | Postponed to March 12 |
Watch the entire meeting here.
Numbers for early voting in Travis County Thursday were the biggest yet in the ten-day early voting period with more than 22,500 ballots cast. With one day left of early voting before Tuesday’s primary, a total of 14.4% of registered county voters have already done so.
Starting Dec. 24, the postal service clarified that mail no longer receives guaranteed same-day postmarks. Postmarks are the official timestamp determining whether absentee ballots are submitted on time.
Completed mail ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by 5 p.m. on the first mail delivery day after Election Day. The Democratic and Republican primary elections are Tuesday, March 3. (KUT 90.5)
The ATX Aggregator will be live blogging all night Tuesday into Wednesday as results and reaction come in after the polls close.
Austin police are searching for an auto theft suspect.
A 17-year-old and a 23-year-old, both from New Braunfels, have been charged with capital murder in the shooting death last week of a 16-year-old.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 28-year-old San Marcos man who works as a Hays County correctional officer in connection with an alleged sexual assault in New Braunfels.
Time for some @AustinJustice.
Fascinating paper
— Santi Ruiz (@rSanti97) February 26, 2026
"…We find that narrow election of a Republican prosecutor reduces all-cause mortality rates among young men ages 20-29 by 6.6%. This decline is driven predominantly by reductions in firearm-related deaths." https://t.co/Vq36DQ1JYy pic.twitter.com/zMGRI8vB3r
Police in Lockhart have been respnding to calls involving a blue Dodge Durango driving around neighborhoods and damaging parked vehicles by shooting the windows out with a BB gun.
A rabid skunk in Hays County has added to the number of recent rabies cases.
A brush fire in Lago Vista Thursday kept firefighters busy.
A wildfire outside Fredericksburg is 100% contained after burning almost 1,200 acres.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is calling for a bigger possibility of wildfires this spring.
WEATHER
THURSDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson discusses the state of the Texas primaries days before the election takes place. He and Jack Fink discuss how the Democratic and Republican races for a Texas Senate seat are shaping up. They also discuss what early voting indicates so far.
Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico campaigned in Lubbock this week, both drawimg big crowds.
Republicans Ken Paxton, John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt are not only eyeing a U.S. Senate seat, they’re seeking President Trump’s endorsement.
Months of ads, rallies and campaign travel have brought us to this. On Tuesday, Texas will know whether Jasmine Crockett or James Talarico will be the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. And on the Republican side, will U.S. Sen. John Cornyn survive the toughest GOP primary of his career against Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt? John Moritz of the Austin American-Statesman joins host Jeremy Wallace to break down the closing arguments of all the top candidates and look at the record pace of early voting, with shocking turnout numbers in Harris, Bexar and Collin counties, to name a few. Plus, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is vowing never to resign despite new evidence related to an affair he had with a congressional aide who killed herself last year. Finally, President Donald Trump heads to Corpus Christi to tout the economy despite continued criticism that he hasn’t done enough to address affordability in America.
(Episode from February 26, 2026)
President Trump heads to Corpus Christi port Friday ahead of Texas primary
— The Dallas Express News (@DallasExpress) February 26, 2026
Locals praise affordability gains under Trump (lower gas/groceries, returning homebuyers) but plead for help on city’s water crisis as reservoirs near critical lows.https://t.co/HfEDLr7CXg pic.twitter.com/ED5FB9JZQD
Plans for a border wall through the Big Bend region of West Texas are raising alarms among residents and elected officials.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection intends to build border barriers throughout this remote region of Texas that encompasses ranchland, small towns and a cherished state and national park.
President Trump wants to build a wall through Big Bend National Park.
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) February 26, 2026
One of the most sacred places in Texas.
Texans have a message for him: Come and take it. pic.twitter.com/k7hpYEaRqC
While I 100% support a border wall that is strategically placed, I also think the idea of putting a wall up in Big Bend is a terrible idea.
— Wes Virdell, TX State Rep (@wesvirdelltx) February 26, 2026
We do have a duty to protect this country from invaders, but we also have a duty to preserve our amazing landscapes.
We have the…
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for a Texas drag show ban to take effect March 12.
Major victory for Texas kids ✅
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 27, 2026
Texas codified common sense when we banned drag shows in front of children.
Today the federal court of appeals upheld that law.
Protecting Texas children is incontrovertible.
Thanks to @SenBryanHughes and Rep. @MattShaheen for championing… https://t.co/prgaj7Qyte
The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, members of Congress said Thursday, and the Federal Aviation Administration responded by closing more airspace near El Paso.
The commercial airspace over El Paso, Texas, was temporarily shut down early Wednesday.
— PBS News (@NewsHour) February 11, 2026
The Trump administration blamed the issue on Mexican drug cartels, but multiple reports say the closure was triggered by the Pentagon testing a new anti-drone defense system without giving… pic.twitter.com/9P2Eu5cGPF
SPORTS
NBA: There’s just no stopping them.
Julian Champagnie scored 26 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to their 11th straight victory, 126-110 over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. (Associated Press)
The Houston Rockets got a W last night. The Dallas Mavericks probably can’t wait for this season to end.
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Spurs and Rockets have tonight off. Dallas hosts Memphis.
#3 TEXAS vs. #9 COASTAL CAROLINA | BAYLOR | OHIO STATE
COLLEGE BASEBALL: No. 3 Texas is set to play in the 26th annual BRUCE BOLT College Classic at Daikin Park in Houston. The Longhorns will face a trio of Power Four programs, starting with their first-ever meeting against reigning national runner-up Coastal Carolina today. Then, Texas faces longtime league rival Baylor before wrapping up its weekend’s action against Big Ten foe Ohio State on Sunday. Formerly named the Astros Foundation College Classic, the Longhorns are 16-17 across their 11 previous appearances in the event. (Texas Longhorns)
Over 3,000 captive bred Horned lizards have been released at the Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Crews from TPWD and the Fort Worth Zoo catch broodstock at the Matador Wildlife Management Area for propagation. At Mason Mountain and a nearby private ranch, a PhD candidate conducts a variety of studies on Horned lizards.
