News Summary
The I-35 Capital Express Central Project in Austin aims to reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity through downtown. Spanning from 290 East to Highway 71, the $4.5 billion project will lower the roadway, add non-toll lanes, close certain paths temporarily, and ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety. Scheduled to start in 2026 and conclude in 2033, it will include bridge replacements and significant upgrades, impacting access and requiring detours. The community is urged to adapt to temporary disruptions for long-term improvements in transportation infrastructure.
Austin is set to undergo significant changes as the I-35 Capital Express Central Project is scheduled to transform vital city spaces. This multi-billion-dollar initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity through downtown, impacting the area between 290 East and Highway 71 at Ben White Boulevard.
The project is comprehensive, involving the lowering of the roadway and the addition of two non-toll lanes in each direction. As a part of these alterations, the parking lot situated under the I-35 bridge will close for equipment storage. Significant constructions include rebuilding the east-west cross-street bridges and introducing new pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. These upgrades aim to enhance safety and accessibility across the busy highway.
Starting in 2026, TxDOT plans to initiate bridge replacement preparations, which will result in the temporary closure of short segments of the trail. This closure will occur approximately three times a year for about a week, necessitating detours for users on both the north and south sides of the trail; however, specific detour locations are still being determined. Local residents have expressed their feelings regarding these changes, with some acknowledging the needed improvements while feeling inconvenienced by the short-term disruptions.
The project is expected to conclude in 2033, and as it progresses, the MLK Boulevard exit will be permanently closed. To minimize traffic disruption, TxDOT has organized major project phases, ensuring that three lanes of traffic remain operational at all times during the construction period. This extensive expansion covers approximately eight miles, with an estimated total cost of around $4.5 billion.
Environmental impact and potential displacement issues related to the project are currently under legal review by TxDOT, and this litigation may affect the timeline and planning of the construction. However, TxDOT remains focused on ensuring minimal disruption for users of the trails adjacent to I-35 and has committed to keeping the public informed through notifications about detours and closures.
The anticipated changes include improvements not only for vehicle traffic but also for pedestrian and cyclist safety. Enhanced crossings will be integrated to provide safer access across I-35, helping to reconnect neighborhoods that have been divided by the highway for years. Additionally, there are plans to incorporate public park spaces over certain sections of the highway further facilitating connectivity within the community.
Austin residents who frequently utilize the area for activities such as kayaking and fishing have raised concerns about how construction efforts will affect their local recreation. Notable community members have voiced their desire for updates regarding trail access that allow for continued enjoyment of these city spaces during the construction. TxDOT maintains its commitment to prioritizing trail access and minimizing the inconvenience for residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the I-35 Capital Express Central Project represents a substantial investment in Austin’s transportation infrastructure, aimed at addressing current needs while also catering to future growth. As construction moves forward, the community will need to adapt to temporary changes while looking forward to the long-term benefits of a more efficient and safer transportation system in downtown Austin.
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
