I-35 in South Austin to Close This Weekend for Ongoing Construction

Southbound and Northbound Interstate 35 in Austin will experience closures this weekend as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues work on the I-35 Capital Express South project. These closures are necessary to facilitate the construction of elevated managed lanes, aiming to improve mobility and address safety concerns along the heavily trafficked corridor.

Southbound Closures

Beginning Friday, November 14, the southbound I-35 mainlanes in South Austin will be closed nightly from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to Stassney Lane. These closures will occur for two nights, weather permitting. Specifically, the closures are scheduled for:

• Friday, November 14 from 11 p.m. To 9 a.m. Saturday
• Saturday, November 15 from 11 p.m. To 10 a.m.

Crews will be working on the elevated managed lanes during these times. Detours will be in place for motorists. TxDOT provides a detour map for those affected by the closures.

Northbound Closures

Northbound I-35 in South Austin will also be closed for two nights this weekend, between Slaughter Lane and Ben White Boulevard. The closures will take place:

• Friday night starting at 11 p.m.
• Saturday night starting at 11 p.m.

The highway will reopen at 9 a.m. On Saturday and 10 a.m. On Sunday. Drivers will be detoured onto the frontage roads. Northbound drivers on I-35 will use exit 228, continue through the intersection at Ben White, and then re-enter the interstate at the next ramp. Those intending to connect with Ben White Boulevard will exit the interstate and turn onto Ben White at the light. TxDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow detour signs.

About the I-35 Capital Express South Project

The I-35 Capital Express South project is a $548 million undertaking that aims to add two high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction along I-35 between SH 71/Ben White Boulevard and SH 45 Southeast. The project also includes a southbound I-35 bypass lane to allow traffic to bypass Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive. Entrance and exit ramps will be reconstructed and relocated, and pedestrian and bicycle paths will be added.

The project began construction in 2022, with work visible at locations including Stassney Lane, Boggy Creek, and Onion Creek. Bent caps near Stassney Lane were completed in September 2024. The project is expected to be completed in 2028. The City of Austin is partnering with TxDOT on this project to address historical inequities created by the highway’s construction and design.