Long-term Closure Planned for I-35 Frontage Road North of Riverside Drive

New pedestrian bridge construction to impact Austin commuters for several years

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Department of Transportation has announced a long-term closure of the northbound I-35 frontage road north of Riverside Drive in Austin, starting on Monday. This closure is part of the I-35 Capital Express Central project and will allow for the construction of a new standalone east pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake.

Why it matters

The closure will significantly impact traffic patterns in the area, with a new Riverside Drive bypass lane, temporary U-turn at Woodland Avenue, and reduced traffic across the Lady Bird Lake bridge. These changes are expected to last until the project's completion in 2029, affecting daily commutes for many Austin residents.

The details

The construction project will also close the existing east pedestrian path and north sidewalk on Riverside Drive. A new Holly Street exit and north-to-south U-turn at Holly Street will open to help manage the traffic flow during the multi-year construction period.

  • The closure will begin on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Construction is expected to be completed by 2029.

The players

Texas Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for the I-35 Capital Express Central project, including the construction of the new pedestrian bridge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Commuters should plan for the long-term closure and traffic changes, and consider alternative routes or modes of transportation during the construction period.

The takeaway

The I-35 Capital Express Central project is a major infrastructure undertaking that will significantly impact Austin's transportation landscape for several years. Residents and commuters will need to adapt to the new traffic patterns and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions to their daily routines.