Austin, Texas, December 8, 2025
Austin, Texas is set to undergo a major transformation with the launch of the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project. This extensive reconstruction targets an 8-mile stretch of the I-35 corridor through downtown Austin, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and improve urban mobility. Key project components include widening lanes, lowering elevated sections, and rebuilding bridges, all while addressing community concerns. The construction will span approximately 10 years, creating significant infrastructure improvements for the growing population of Austin.
Austin Launches $4.5 Billion I-35 Reconstruction Project
Austin, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has initiated the $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project, marking a significant transformation of the I-35 corridor through downtown Austin. This extensive reconstruction aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility for the city’s growing population.
Project Overview
The I-35 Capital Express Central project encompasses an 8-mile stretch of I-35 between U.S. 290 East and State Highway 71/Ben White Boulevard. Key components of the project include:
- Widening Main Lanes and Frontage Roads: Adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction to accommodate increased traffic flow.
- Lowering Elevated Sections: Removing the existing upper decks and lowering sections of the highway between Airport Boulevard and Lady Bird Lake to improve connectivity and aesthetics.
- Reconstructing Bridges: Rebuilding the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge and the Lady Bird Lake bridge to enhance structural integrity and safety.
- Improving Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: Adding shared-use paths and pedestrian bridges to promote multimodal transportation options.
- Implementing “Cap and Stitch” Designs: Creating public spaces over the highway, known as “caps,” and improved crossings, or “stitches,” to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the interstate. The City of Austin has allocated over $100 million for the foundational infrastructure of these features, with future funding decisions for the caps to be made by late 2026.
Construction Timeline and Phases
Construction is expected to span approximately 10 years, with the following phases:
- Phase I: Widening the southbound I-35 frontage road and reconstructing main lanes to the upper decks, including the construction of a temporary southbound I-35 15th Street exit.
- Phase II: Shifting traffic and restriping the bridge, followed by the demolition and reconstruction of the westbound Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge.
- Phase III: Shifting traffic and restriping the bridge, followed by the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge.
As of December 2025, the first extended road closure has begun at the northbound highway bypass at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, with traffic rerouted to the frontage road. This closure is expected to last through early 2025.
Community Impact and Considerations
The project has faced public opposition, particularly concerning the “cap and stitch” designs. In May 2025, the Austin City Council voted to fund the foundations for future caps over I-35, with decisions on the caps themselves to be made by late 2026.
Additionally, the University of Texas pledged $13.5 million to cover I-35 from Dean Keeton to 15th Street, aiming to create public spaces over the highway.
Residents in neighborhoods adjacent to the construction, such as Cherrywood, have expressed concerns about noise and potential disruptions. TxDOT has proposed a 21-foot-tall concrete wall along Robinson Avenue to mitigate noise, though this has been met with mixed reactions from the community.
Conclusion
The I-35 Capital Express Central project represents a transformative effort to modernize Austin’s infrastructure, addressing current transportation challenges and preparing for future growth. While the project promises significant improvements, it also brings challenges that require careful planning and community engagement to ensure a balanced and effective outcome for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the I-35 Capital Express Central project?
The I-35 Capital Express Central project is a $4.5 billion reconstruction of an 8-mile stretch of I-35 through downtown Austin, aiming to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility.
What are the key components of the project?
Key components include widening main lanes and frontage roads, lowering elevated sections of the highway, reconstructing bridges, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and implementing “cap and stitch” designs to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the interstate.
What is the timeline for the project?
The project is expected to span approximately 10 years, with construction beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2032. Specific phases include widening the southbound frontage road, reconstructing bridges, and lowering sections of the highway.
How will the project impact the community?
The project aims to improve transportation efficiency but has faced public opposition, particularly concerning the “cap and stitch” designs. The Austin City Council has allocated over $100 million for the foundational infrastructure of these features, with future funding decisions for the caps to be made by late 2026. Residents in adjacent neighborhoods have expressed concerns about noise and potential disruptions, leading to proposals for noise mitigation measures such as a 21-foot-tall concrete wall along Robinson Avenue.
What are “cap and stitch” designs?
“Cap and stitch” designs involve creating public spaces over the highway (“caps”) and improved crossings (“stitches”) to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the interstate, enhancing community connectivity and providing recreational areas.
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Key Features of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $4.5 billion |
| Project Length | 8 miles |
| Key Components | Widening lanes, lowering elevated sections, reconstructing bridges, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, implementing ‘cap and stitch’ designs |
| Construction Timeline | Approximately 10 years, beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2032 |
| Community Impact | Improved transportation efficiency, public opposition to ‘cap and stitch’ designs, noise mitigation proposals |
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