Beginning August 10th, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will initiate a transformative phase of its I-35 Capital Express Central project, reshaping access to some of Austin’s most beloved outdoor spaces. As crews prepare to reconstruct the I-35 bridges over Lady Bird Lake, the ripple effects will be felt across the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, the Boardwalk, and several city parks.

The multi-year project, slated for completion in 2033, will bring intermittent closures, detours, and environmental adjustments to the area:

• Trail Detours & Closures: The north shore of Lady Bird Lake will see ADA-accessible detours beginning this month, with periodic closures of the Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk lasting 3–5 days at a time, up to three times per year.
• Lake Access Restrictions: Boating, paddling, and east-west passage near the I-35 bridges will be restricted for 3–7 days at a time, also up to three times annually.
• Park Impacts: Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, Waller Beach, Chicano Park, and Norwood Dog Park may face partial or full closures during construction.
• Tree Removal: TxDOT will trim and remove trees within its right-of-way, including three at Edward Rendon Sr. Park.

TxDOT has pledged to implement best practices for erosion control, water quality monitoring, and rapid response protocols for any environmental incidents. Containment systems will be used to prevent runoff into Lady Bird Lake.

Signage and public notifications will be issued ahead of any closures. Once specific dates are confirmed, the City of Austin will share updates and we will be sure to pass that information on to our reader.