AUSTIN, Texas — If you’ve been driving through Downtown Austin this week, you’ve likely encountered a maze of orange barrels and overnight closures surrounding Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. While the detours are a headache, they’re part of a massive transformation of Austin’s most infamous corridor.
Last week, we checked in on the Interstate 35 Capital Express North project. Today, the focus shifts to the Central Portion, which is the heart of the city’s transit overhaul.
The gateway to the University of Texas at Austin: The MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge
The current top priority for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge. This isn’t just a standard overpass; it’s a way to connect University of Texas at Austin (UT) students and fans to the Moody Center and DKR Stadium.
Construction is moving in phases to keep traffic flowing:
- The current phase: Crews are finishing work on the northern side of the bridge.
- What’s next: As soon as the northern side is complete, crews will demolish the southern side and begin total reconstruction.
- The goal: TxDOT expects the MLK Bridge to be fully completed by the end of 2026.
Going deep: Tunnels and excavation
The central phase of the project involves more than just surface work. To modernize the highway, crews are quite literally going underground.
- Drainage and tunnels: Workers are currently drilling 200 feet below ground for a massive drainage segment.
- Lowering the lanes: One of the most controversial and complex parts of the plan involves excavating and lowering the main lanes of I-35. This move aims to eventually allow for “caps” -or green spaces- over the highway, but the footprint required for this expansion has already forced more than 100 local properties to relocate.
Coordinating with the Longhorns
With major events constantly happening at UT, TxDOT says it’s in constant communication with city leaders and the university to minimize the “event day” nightmare…