Traffic Alert: Major Highways in Austin Shut Down Due to Police Activity

Traffic Alert: Police Activity Shuts Down Major Highways in Austin

Hey there, Austin folks! We’ve got some traffic news that may affect your travel plans today. If you’re hitting the road in and around Austin, you’ll want to steer clear of the area near the interchange of I-35 and SH 71. That’s right, you heard me correctly—major roads are all closed down due to a police incident that’s been ongoing since this morning.

What’s Going On?

So here’s the scoop: around 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, reports started pouring in about a significant police presence at the interchange. As per updates from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), both northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 and SH 71 are completely shut down due to this ongoing activity. If you were planning to travel through that area, it looks like you might hit some major bumps on the road.

According to live traffic updates, the closure affects traffic flowing from SH 71 E between 1st Street and I-35/US-81 to the Brodie Lane area. In fact, reports indicate that drivers could face delays of up to an hour! Eek! So, if you can, it’s best to find an alternate route.

What to Expect

As of 5:13 p.m., the Austin Police Department announced that the situation has wrapped up and all lanes are now open. Good news for all you travelers! However, there’s still no detailed information available about what led to the police presence earlier today.

The police have certainly been busy today, and they’re urging everyone to be extra cautious when traveling through the area. Even though the roads have reopened, as a precaution, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any unexpected developments.

Advice for Drivers

For those who may still be out and about or planning to head out later, here’s a little friendly advice: avoid the area around the interchange if you can. Take a moment to check your route on your favorite navigation app and see if there are any safer or less congested alternatives available. Better safe than stuck in a jam, right?

Stay Tuned for Updates!

While all lanes are officially open now, it’s worth noting that police activity can sometimes cause sporadic traffic issues for the next few hours as things return to normal. So keep your cool while driving, and be patient with your fellow motorists!

This is a developing story and we promise to keep you updated as we learn more details. Remember that staying informed is half the battle, so don’t hesitate to check back for the latest info. Thanks for tuning in, Austin! Be safe out there!