What's Being Done: The I-35 Capital Express Central project is approximately 8 miles along I-35 between US 290 East and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. Improvements include removing the existing I-35 decks, lowering the roadway, and adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from US 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The project will also reconstruct east-west cross-street bridges, add pedestrian and bicycle paths, and make additional safety and mobility improvements within the project limits.

What's Up First: Work has already started on the MLK, Jr. bridge reconstruction and is beginning on the Lady Bird Lake segment. The first roadwork on the Lady Bird Lake segment will start this summer, and will include widened shoulders to accommodate shifted travel lanes and work on retaining walls. The interchange construction that will impact Riverside Drive is expected to start later in 2025.

As of April 14, 2025, the southbound I-35 Woodland Avenue exit (232) will be closed through early 2026, weather permitting. Drivers on southbound I-35 will use either the Riverside Drive exit (233) or the Woodward Street/Ben White Boulevard exit (231) to access the frontage road.

Traffic Impacts: TxDOT will work to minimize disruptions and maintain three travel lanes in each direction on I-35 during construction. However, full closures or lane reductions may occur, typically overnight.

CapMetro Red Line & Bus Service: Some disruptions to Capital Metro bus and rail services are expected. Temporary bus stops will be placed as close as possible to their original locations, and riders will be notified of any changes. During the rail bridge construction at Airport Boulevard and I-35, a temporary track will be used to maintain train operations, with some portions elevated to allow excavation work.

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