Closures & Construction
To receive text updates, text “ATX CONSTRUCTION” to 512-890-3099.
Last Updated: May 5, 2026
*Information on this page reflects longer-term impacts. For timely information on temporary closures and impacts, sign up for text updates by sending “ATX CONSTRUCTION” to 512-890-3099.
Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative
The City of Austin is advancing design efforts for Congress Avenue. This project, spanning from Barton Springs Road to 11th Street, seeks to reimagine Congress Avenue as a dynamic and vibrant space that reflects the unique character of Austin.
Made possible by the 2020 Mobility Bond, the first-funded phase of the project will focus on Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 7th Street. Key improvements include:
- Expanded pedestrian zone
- Protected bike lanes
- Enhanced street tree health
- Storefront activation zone
Construction for this project will be completed one block at a time, starting at Cesar Chavez and moving north to 7th Street. Construction will begin January 2026 and continue through Summer 2027.
For day-to-day updates on the project phases visit the project webpage or sign up for text messages by sending “ATX CONSTRUCTION” to 512-890-3099.
Beginning Friday, Feb. 13, crews will close access to the northbound I-35 frontage road just north of Riverside Drive. To accommodate construction, a new Riverside Drive bypass lane is now open and a temporary south-to-north U-turn at Woodland Avenue will be opened.
Traffic Impacts
- Drivers on the northbound I-35 frontage road will use the Riverside Drive bypass lane to continue north on the frontage road.
- Drivers on Riverside Drive will use the southbound I-35 frontage road to U-turn at Woodland Avenue and take the Riverside Drive bypass lane to access the northbound I-35 frontage road.
The existing east pedestrian path and northern sidewalk on Riverside Drive will also be closed.
- Pedestrians will use the existing west pedestrian sidewalk on the southbound I-35 frontage road bridge to cross the Colorado River. In addition, temporary pedestrian signals have been installed on Riverside Drive at Manlove Street (east of I-35) and Edgecliff Terrace (west of I-35) to cross Riverside Drive.
In addition, northbound frontage road traffic across the Lady Bird Lake bridge will be reduced to one lane. A new Holly Street exit (234A) and north-to-south U-turn at Holly Street are also open.
This traffic pattern will remain in place through 2029, weather permitting.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 16, the pedestrian boardwalk ramp along the northbound I-35 frontage road at Riverside Drive will also be closed through 2029.
The staircase and boardwalk will remain open outside of intermittent closures for construction activities. Other access points to the boardwalk will be available from nearby locations, including South Lakeshore Boulevard east of I-35 and the trail entrance west of I-35. (See map for more details.)
Stay up to date on traffic impacts by following @TxDOTAustin on X and visit mymobility35.com to learn more about the I-35 Capital Express Central project.
Unconventional ATX Construction
Unconventional ATX is reimagining the future of the Austin Convention Center. The convention center closed in April 2025 to prepare for the changes. Demolition and excavation begin May 2025 and will continue through December 2025. From December 2025 to December 2028, the project will be under construction.
Transportation Impacts
- Expect consistent full or partial lane closures on Trinity, Red River, E 3rd and E 2nd street
Lady Bird Lake North Shore Pedestrian Access
Traffic Impacts
Below is a list of recent or upcoming long-term road closures associated with the Lady Bird Lake segment:
- The parking lot under the I-35 bridge will be closed for materials and equipment staging through 2033. The Holiday Inn boat ramp will also be closed. Pedestrian access will be maintained under the bridge.
- Through 2033.
- Waterway access on Lady Bird Lake under the I-35 bridge will be limited to a 75-foot-wide passage under the center portion of the bridge and away from work zones.
- Through 2033.
Stay up to date on traffic impacts by following @TxDOTAustin on X and visit mymobility35.com to learn more about the I-35 Capital Express Central project.