I-35 Capital Express Central Project
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I-35 Capital Express Central Project

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Animated graphic showing the Austin skyline and the I-35 corridor to show the I-35 Capital Express Central project phasing with project segments highlighted to illustrate construction phasing. The Lady Bird Lake segment (Holly Street to US 290 E/SH 71) is highlighted to show it is under construction from 2025–2033. The Drainage Tunnel and Pump Station segment under I-35 at Cesar Chavez Street is also highlighted for its 2025–2029 schedule. The Downtown segment (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Holly Street) is shown with its 2026–2033 timeline. Elements of the Downtown segment include: Reconstruct east-west crossings at Cesar Chavez St., 4th St., 6th St., 7th St., 8th St., 11th St. and 12th St.
Construct boulevard-style frontage road. Construct northbound I-35 frontage road from Lambie St. to Flores St. Construct bicycle and pedestrian paths along the I-35 corridor. Lower the mainlanes and add two non-tolled managed lanes in each direction. Construct new Holly St. bridge. Complete boulevard-style frontage road through downtown. Construct remaining bicycle and pedestrian paths along the I-35 corridor.. The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Bridge segment is highlighted to indicate construction from 2024–2026. The University segment (US 290 E to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) is included with its 2026–2033 schedule. Elements of the University segment include: Reconstruct east-west crossings at 38th 1/2 St., 32nd St., and Manor Rd. Widen bridges at US 290 and I-35 to accommodate pedestrian paths. Construct pedestrian-only bridges at Capital Plaza, 21st St., and the CapMetro Red Line rail bridge at Airport Blvd. Construct bicycle and pedestrian paths along the corridor and US 290 East. Add two non-tolled managed lanes in each direction. Remove upper decks and lower I-35 mainlanes. Reconstruct east-west crossings at 41st St., Airport Blvd., and Dean Keeton St. Construct U-turn bridge at 51st St. Complete CapMetro Red Line rail bridge at Airport Blvd. Construct boulevard-style frontage road. Construct bicycle and pedestrian paths along the corridor. This graphic is tentative, as of March 9, 2026.

Highlighted segments are in active construction

TxDOT is closely collaborating with both the City of Austin and University of Texas on the conceptual design of deck caps and stitches along the project corridor. The City of Austin and UT will fund operations and maintenance of these enhancements throughout the life of the project. TxDOT is building the infrastructure and putting fire suppression requirements in place during construction.

  • More than 19 miles of new shared-use paths.
  • Vehicle bypass lanes to reduce through traffic at 28 intersections.
  • 13 connections to urban trail network and bicycle network.
  • I-35 mainlanes will be lowered; upper decks will be removed.
  • Existing east-west crossings will be widened and enhanced; new bicycle-pedestrian crossings will be constructed at 4th Street, 55th Street/Capital Plaza, Red Line at Airport Boulevard, Lady Bird Lake and Woodland Avenue.
  • Additional bicycle-pedestrian crossings include 41st Street.

Community Connectors is a series of meetings about construction on the I-35 Capital Express Central project. These are open-house-style events with no formal presentation planned. The purpose of the series is to inform the public about construction-related activities and updates, and to gather feedback.

Learn more about Community Connectors meetings.

TxDOT has established a grant support program as part of the I-35 Capital Express Central project. This program helps community organizations by offering grant writing assistance, identifying funding opportunities and improving grant compliance for groups impacted by the project.

Learn more about the new Community Grant Support Program.