Friday Morning Chaos at Riverside Drive: I-35 Northbound Frontage Road Shuts Down Near Lady Bird Lake
It’s 7:30 a.m. on a Friday, and the familiar hum of cars heading north on the Interstate 35 frontage road near Riverside Drive in the East Austin neighborhood is replaced by an eerie silence. No steady stream of morning commuters, no pedestrians crossing the sidewalk beside Lady Bird Lake. Instead, orange barricades block the northbound frontage road just north of Riverside Drive, forcing drivers and walkers alike into unfamiliar detours. The usual route home or to work suddenly demands extra time, patience, and attention.
What’s Happening?
Starting this Friday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will close the northbound I-35 frontage road and the adjacent east sidewalk just north of Riverside Drive. This closure is part of the massive I-35 Capital Express Central project, which aims to rebuild the interstate through central Austin. Contractors are beginning work on a new pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake, a structure that will eventually improve connectivity but for now, will cause significant disruption.
To manage traffic, TxDOT has opened a one-lane bypass at Riverside Drive and will soon activate a temporary U-turn at Woodland Avenue. Drivers currently on the northbound frontage road can use this bypass lane to continue north. However, drivers heading westbound on Riverside Drive who want to turn north onto I-35 must first travel south on the opposite frontage road, make a U-turn at Woodland Avenue, then use the bypass to reach the northbound lanes. Eastbound drivers turning north face the same detour.
Pedestrians also face changes. The east sidewalk along the northbound frontage road will close, forcing walkers to use the west sidewalk on the southbound frontage road to cross Lady Bird Lake. Temporary pedestrian signals have been installed on both sides of I-35 at Riverside Drive to help people navigate safely.
This closure follows last week’s permanent shutdown of the northbound Riverside Drive exit and the Holly Street entrance and exit ramps, as TxDOT prepares to reconstruct the Lady Bird Lake bridge. A new Holly Street exit ramp is now open, but the ongoing changes are already reshaping daily routes through downtown and East Austin.
Why This Matters to You
If you live, work, or commute through East Austin or downtown neighborhoods like Bouldin Creek and St. Edward’s, these closures will hit hard. Lady Bird Lake is a central landmark, and Riverside Drive is a key artery connecting neighborhoods like Travis Heights and Downtown Austin. The detours will add time and stress during your daily travels, whether by car, bike, or on foot.
Expect longer commute times and unpredictable traffic jams. The one-lane bypass and required U-turns increase the risk of accidents, especially during rush hours. Pedestrians forced to cross busy intersections with temporary signals face heightened safety risks, particularly families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges. Ignoring these detours or trying to circumvent closures could lead to traffic citations or worse, collisions.
Local businesses along Riverside Drive and nearby streets like South Congress Avenue may also see reduced foot traffic, affecting their operations. Property owners and residents near the construction zone should prepare for noise, dust, and limited access, which could disrupt daily life and property values.
Most importantly, these disruptions are not short-term. The Capital Express Central project is slated to continue through at least 2033. That means years of construction, detours, and changing traffic patterns that demand constant vigilance and adaptability.
If You’re Affected: What To Do First
- Check your route before leaving. Visit mymobility35.com daily for updated traffic maps and closure details.
- Allow extra travel time. Add at least 20 to 30 minutes to your commute during peak hours to avoid rushing and risky maneuvers.
- Follow all posted detour signs carefully. Attempting to bypass closures can cause accidents or legal trouble.
- If you’re a pedestrian, use the west sidewalk along the southbound frontage road and obey temporary pedestrian signals at Riverside Drive. Do not cross at unauthorized points.
- Consider alternative routes such as South Congress Avenue or East Riverside Drive to avoid the construction zone entirely.
- Stay alert for construction vehicles and workers near the site. Reduced lanes and narrowed sidewalks increase collision risks.
- Notify family members, coworkers, or anyone who depends on you for rides about these changes to avoid confusion and delays.
When Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If you experience a traffic accident or injury in the construction zone, you need to contact a local attorney experienced with construction-related claims immediately. The complexity of detours and temporary traffic patterns increases liability risks.
Homeowners or businesses affected by construction noise, dust, or property access issues should consult with contractors or planners to understand their rights and possible remedies. Professional inspections may be necessary if you suspect structural damage from ongoing construction vibrations.
Drivers facing vehicle damage from road conditions or signage issues should seek repair services promptly. Document all damages carefully to support insurance claims.
Residents considering relocating due to prolonged disruptions might need professional real estate or planning advice to evaluate options and financial impact.
Local Context: A City in Transition
For many Austinites, especially those living in East Austin’s Bouldin Creek or near Travis Heights, the I-35 corridor is more than just a highway—it’s a daily lifeline. This stretch near Lady Bird Lake connects neighborhoods to downtown, the University of Texas, and major employers. The ongoing Capital Express Central project promises long-term benefits, including reduced congestion and improved pedestrian infrastructure. But for now, it demands sacrifice, patience, and careful navigation.
Whether you’re a driver trying to get to work on time, a cyclist crossing Lady Bird Lake, or a family walking downtown, these closures will affect your routine. Ignoring detours or underestimating the disruption risks accidents, fines, and frustration. Stay informed, plan ahead, and know when to seek professional help.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The closure impacts the northbound I-35 frontage road just north of Riverside Drive, a key connector between East Austin and downtown. Nearby neighborhoods include Bouldin Creek to the west and Travis Heights to the south. Landmarks such as Lady Bird Lake and the Austin American-Statesman building are close by, while South Congress Avenue and East Riverside Drive serve as alternative routes.
Local residents often use the Riverside Drive exit or the Holly Street ramps to access downtown or the University of Texas campus. The new Holly Street exit ramp, now open, partially replaces the permanently closed northbound Riverside Drive exit and the Holly Street entrance and exit. Drivers and pedestrians traveling between East Austin, Downtown, and South Austin will encounter these detours daily, making awareness and caution essential.
