New Southbound Toll Lanes Open on U.S. 183 in Austin

The final phase of the 183 North Mobility Project adds express lanes with variable tolling to ease congestion.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has opened two new southbound toll lanes on U.S. 183 North between Cedar Park and Austin, completing the 183 North Mobility Project. The express lanes will connect directly to the MoPac express lanes and use variable tolling to manage congestion.

Why it matters

The new southbound toll lanes are expected to improve travel reliability and connectivity in the busy U.S. 183 corridor, which serves as a major commuter route between Austin and its northern suburbs. The variable tolling system is designed to keep the express lanes free-flowing even during peak congestion periods.

The details

The southbound express lanes open on Saturday, February 28, 2026, joining the northbound express lanes that were completed last month. The tolled lanes are located in the center of the highway, separated from the free general-purpose lanes by plastic delineators. Drivers can access the express lanes from the right lane and exit into the general lanes or continue in the left lane to connect directly to the MoPac express lanes.

  • The southbound 183 North express lanes open on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • The northbound 183 North express lanes opened in January 2026 as part of the phased rollout.
  • Construction on the 183 North Mobility Project began in 2022 and added general-purpose lanes in 2024.

The players

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority

The regional transportation agency overseeing the 183 North Mobility Project and the operation of the new express lanes.

James Bass

Executive Director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

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What they’re saying

“This final phase will complete the rollout of the new 183 Express Lanes and further improve corridor connectivity and travel reliability for Central Texans.”

— James Bass, Executive Director, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (statesman.com)

What’s next

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will continue to monitor the new express lanes and may make adjustments to the variable tolling system as needed to maintain reliable travel times.

The takeaway

The opening of the southbound 183 North express lanes marks the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity in one of Austin's key commuter corridors. The variable tolling system is designed to keep the express lanes free-flowing, even during peak travel times.