I-35 Capital Express Central Project

under construction

The Texas Department of Transportation is undertaking a multiyear construction project on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas, aimed at easing congestion along the downtown stretch of I-35. The project includes adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle lanes in each direction, lowering the highway between Airport Boulevard and Lady Bird Lake, removing the upper decks, widening bridges, and introducing 13 pedestrian bridges and 20 miles of shared-use paths. It will also feature a boulevard-style frontage road layout downtown, new shaded bike and pedestrian paths, and lower speed limits on frontage roads. The construction will impact trail access, close parks and parking lots, and periodically restrict or close sections of Lady Bird Lake and nearby recreational spaces for six to eight years starting August 10, 2025.