A significant portion of southbound I-35 in South Austin will close this weekend for construction. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that all southbound lanes between State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard and Stassney Lane will be inaccessible from Saturday evening until Sunday morning. This closure is part of the ongoing I-35 Capital Express South project, which aims to improve traffic flow in one of the area's busiest corridors.
Key Takeaways
- Southbound I-35 in South Austin will close from Saturday 9 p.m. to Sunday 10 a.m.
- The closure spans from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to Stassney Lane.
- Crews will install steel beams for the I-35 Capital Express South project.
- The project will add two high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction.
- Drivers should plan for detours and potential delays.
Weekend Closure Details and Project Overview
TxDOT crews will begin closing the southbound lanes of I-35 at 9 p.m. on Saturday. The closure is scheduled to last until 10 a.m. on Sunday. This temporary shutdown is necessary for the installation of steel beams, a critical step in the I-35 Capital Express South initiative. This project is a major undertaking designed to alleviate congestion and enhance mobility for thousands of daily commuters.
The I-35 Capital Express South project focuses on a vital section of the interstate. Its long-term goal is to introduce two high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction. These dedicated lanes are expected to encourage carpooling and public transit use, reducing the number of single-occupant vehicles on the road. Additionally, the project includes various other improvements aimed at modernizing the highway infrastructure.
Project Scope
- Duration of Closure: 13 hours (9 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday)
- Affected Area: I-35 southbound, from SH 71/Ben White Blvd to Stassney Lane
- Primary Work: Placement of steel beams
- Future Benefit: Addition of two HOV lanes in each direction on I-35
Detour Information for Drivers
Drivers planning to travel through South Austin this weekend should prepare for significant detours. TxDOT has provided specific routes to help motorists navigate around the closed sections. These routes are designed to minimize disruption, but delays are still possible due to increased traffic on alternative roads.
For drivers heading westbound on State Highway 71, the recommended detour involves taking the I-35 northbound exit. From there, motorists should exit at Oltorf Street and use the U-turn facility to access I-35 southbound. This route allows drivers to bypass the construction zone and rejoin the interstate.
Those traveling eastbound on State Highway 71 will need to take the Congress Avenue exit. They should then use the I-35 frontage road to continue their journey southbound. These detours are crucial for maintaining traffic flow while construction is underway. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
Community Concerns and Future Plans for US 290
Beyond the I-35 project, traffic congestion remains a significant concern for residents in Austin and its surrounding suburbs. As the region continues to experience rapid growth, existing infrastructure faces increasing pressure. In Manor, a nearby community, residents have voiced their frustrations regarding traffic on US 290.
"The traffic is horrible. So now, I mean, at this point, we've become famous as being sort of one of the worst places for traffic," said Allen Ambuhl, a Manor resident.
Another resident, Linda Harvey, expressed a desire for solutions. "It's not going to be an easy fix, but I'm all for fixing that," she stated. These sentiments highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to match the region's expansion. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is actively exploring options to address these challenges.
Background on Regional Traffic
Austin and its surrounding areas are among the fastest-growing regions in the United States. This growth has led to increased demand on existing road networks, resulting in frequent congestion. Projects like the I-35 Capital Express South and potential US 290 expansions are responses to these growing mobility needs.
Proposed Expansion of US 290 Toll Road
The CTRMA is currently considering a major extension of the US 290 toll road. The proposal involves extending the toll road by approximately 15 miles, from State Highway 130 in Travis County to State Highway 95 South in Bastrop County. Currently, the US 290 toll road spans about 6 miles, connecting US 183 in East Austin to Parmer Lane, near the western edge of Manor.
Years ago, an initial plan to extend the tolled highway into Manor faced strong opposition from residents. However, Mike Sexton, CTRMA's director of engineering, notes that community sentiment has evolved. He explained that cities like Manor and Elgin are now seeking relief from traffic issues. Emergency vehicles and school buses often struggle to navigate congested roads.
"Our conversations we've had with the city of Manor and city of Elgin is just, they're looking for some relief. Fire and emergency vehicles can't get to accident scenes," Sexton explained. "The same thing with school districts – it's hard for parents to get their kids to school and go pick up their kids at events."
In addition to road extensions, CTRMA is looking into improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. Enhancing cross-street intersections is also part of the broader strategy to create a more integrated and accessible transportation network. These measures aim to provide comprehensive mobility solutions, not just for drivers.
Public Engagement and Future Sessions
To gather public feedback on the US 290 expansion, CTRMA hosted a community listening session at Manor Elementary Early Learning Center. Residents like Linda Harvey are open to the extension but emphasize the importance of detailed planning. She raised concerns about the impact of construction itself, asking, "During the construction, what is that going to look like? So, there's got to be some extensive planning of those kinds of details."
Allen Ambuhl voiced concerns about noise pollution from an expanded highway. "When those sound waves bounce off the highway, we want to make sure that, you know, not only goes over us, but also goes over our neighbors," he said. These community concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of environmental and quality-of-life impacts during infrastructure development.
CTRMA emphasizes that it is still in the early stages of the project. They are actively engaging with the community to understand local needs before finalizing plans. "We want to let them tell us first before we start coming back with ideas," Sexton stated. The project's cost is not yet determined, but it will be funded through bonds, with repayment coming from future toll revenues.
Another community listening session is scheduled for Thursday at the ACC Elgin Campus. These sessions are crucial for residents to share their perspectives and help shape the future of regional transportation. Public input ensures that projects address local needs and concerns effectively.
