News Summary
Austin drivers should prepare for significant traffic changes on I-35 due to emergency utility repairs, long-term lane closures for a major upgrade project, and recent incidents affecting travel. The TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will introduce lane closures expected to last until 2025. Additionally, a crash involving multiple trucks and a bomb scare caused further disruptions. Stay informed to navigate the roads safely!
Austin Residents: Brace for Traffic Updates on I-35!
Austin, TX – If you’re hitting the roads, especially I-35, we’ve got some important traffic updates that you won’t want to miss! Whether it’s due to emergency utility repairs, long-term lane closures, or unexpected interruptions like a bomb scare, the highways can be a bit of a rollercoaster these days.
Emergency Utility Repairs Causing Brief Lane Closures
First up, drivers in south Austin should be prepared for brief traffic delays on I-35. There’s an emergency utility repair happening that will result in both directions of I-35’s main lanes and the frontage roads near Slaughter Lane being closed today from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Don’t panic though! Each closure should only last about 15 minutes, so plan your trip accordingly and keep your fingers crossed that you don’t hit those closures during your commute.
While we’re on the topic of repairs, it’s also worth noting that power has been restored to thousands of residents in Northwest Austin after some communication lines were interrupted. The utility company is in the process of stringing new lines across I-35, so stay tuned for any related updates!
Long-Term Lane Closures for I-35 Capital Express Central Project
Moving on to something a bit more long-term, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has kicked off the I-35 Capital Express Central project. This $4.5 billion project will involve some major upgrades over the next couple of years. On December 2, TxDOT began the first of what will be a considerable lane closure impacting the northbound I-35 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bypass lane. This closure will stick around until early 2025.
The upgrades will focus on eight miles of I-35 between U.S. 290 East and SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The plan includes removing existing I-35 decks, lowering the roadway, and adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes. Moreover, TxDOT is working closely with the City of Austin and the University of Texas to develop new infrastructure that will connect the east and west sides of Austin. This is all part of the larger vision to make it easier for communities to come together once I-35 is revamped.
Exciting Community Initiatives in the Works
Speaking of community, mark your calendars! The City of Austin has introduced a plan called Our Future 35 that involves building “caps” and “stitches” over the lowered I-35, which would create 25 acres of new public space. A presentation of the vision plan for this project is set for the Austin City Council on December 12. Additionally, a Community Connectors meeting regarding the I-35 Capital Express Central project will take place on December 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.. Hope to see you there!
Traffic Incident Near Pflugerville
In other traffic news, expect detours if you’re traveling southbound I-35 at Grand Ave Parkway. A crash that involved multiple 18-wheelers took place early Tuesday morning, closing all lanes. The crash alert was issued just before 5 a.m., and numerous first responders were on the scene shortly thereafter. Injuries were reported, with one person transported via Starflight and two by ambulance. The details surrounding the cause of this crash remain unclear, but it’s certainly affecting morning commuters.
Bomb Scare Shuts Down I-35
Lastly, an earlier bomb scare on I-35 caused quite a stir as portions of the roadway were closed for over two hours on a Sunday night. Authorities took precautionary measures by closing both northbound and southbound lanes near Wells Branch Parkway around 10:40 p.m.. Fortunately, no explosives were found, and I-35 reopened to traffic around 1:00 a.m. the following Monday, without any reported injuries.
So, fellow Austinites, keep your wits about you while driving on I-35, and be sure to stay updated on all the changes coming our way! Happy travels!
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: I-35 Closure for Utility Repairs
- Google Search: I-35 Austin Traffic
- Spectrum Local News: Long-term I-35 Closure
- Wikipedia: Interstate Highway System
- FOX 7 Austin: I-35 Lanes Shut Down for Crash
- Google News: I-35 Traffic Accident Austin
- CBS Austin: I-35 Bomb Scare
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Management
- KXAN: 18-Wheeler Spill on I-35
- Google Scholar: Traffic Incidents
