From festival closures to drainage pipes, read about some of the transportation projects happening in Austin.

Upcoming projects

South by Southwest Conference and Festivals road closures

Project: SXSW will span over multiple locations in downtown Austin from March 12-18.

Update: Multiple downtown streets will be closed for the festival.

Timeline: West Fourth Street from Colorado Street to Congress Avenue; East Fourth Street from Brazos Street to San Jacinto Boulevard; Red River Street from East Fifth Street to East 10th Street; East 10th Street from Red River Street to South I-35 frontage road; East Ninth Street from Red River Street to South I-35 frontage road; Sabine Street from East Fifth Street to East Seventh Street; Medina Street from East Sixth Street to East Seventh Street; Attayac Street from East Sixth Street to Seventh Street; Onion Street from East Sixth Street to East Seventh Street, March 9-22; Congress Avenue from Weset Seventh Street to West 10th Street; Ninth Street from Colorado Street to Brazos Street, March 9-20Cost: N/AFunding source: N/AOngoing projects

I-35 Capital Express Central project: I-35 frontage road closure near Riverside Drive

Project: Reconfiguration and reconstruction of the northbound I-35 frontage road near Riverside Drive as part of broader I-35 improvements.

Update: A long-term closure of the northbound frontage road is scheduled to begin as crews shift traffic patterns to allow for reconstruction work. Detours will be in place, and access to nearby businesses are expected to be maintained, according to reporting from Community Impact.

Timeline: closure expected to begin in early 2026; duration dependent on construction phasesCost: $4.5 billion (entire project)Funding source: Texas Department of TransportationI-35 Drainage Tunnel and Pump Station

Project: Construction of a drainage tunnel and pump station under I-35 is underway in order to improve stormwater management and reduce flooding impacts along the corridor through Central Austin, according to TxDOT.

Update: Work on the drainage tunnel and pump station is underway. As crews work on excavation, temporary lane closures and traffic shifts have been happening overnight and during off-peak hours.

Timeline: 2025-29Cost: $4.5 billion (entire project)Finding source: TxDOT

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