Several Central Austin transportation projects reached milestones this fall, with more construction planned for 2027. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)
The MLK Jr. Blvd. bridge is fully back in service, Austin Energy has finished tunneling along Lady Bird Lake and two Central Austin projects are heading toward construction in 2027.
Here’s the latest on projects affecting Central Austin commuters.
Completed projects
I-35 Capital Express Central: MLK Jr. Blvd. bridge
Project: Rebuilt and widened the bridge over I-35 with new sidewalks, shade structures and ramps. Update: The bridge is fully operational as of Aug. 9, with permanent striping expected in December.
Timeline: October 2024-August 2026
Cost: $34.4 million
Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Traffic crosses the rebuilt MLK Jr. Blvd. bridge over I-35 in September, as crews finished the bridge’s shared-use path and widened sidewalks.(Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)
Ongoing projects
Waller Beach Duct Bank Upgrade
Project: Routes Austin Energy circuits underground along Lady Bird Lake between Brazos and Trinity streets. Update: Crews finished about 785 feet of tunneling this month and will start water line work next. Part of the Butler Trail remains rerouted through summer 2027.
Timeline: April 2026-spring 2027
Cost: $6.6 million
Funding source: Austin Energy
Crews dig a launch shaft at the end of Brazos Street in July for the underground tunnel, which was finished in October.(Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)
Project: Builds 6.5 miles of drainage tunnels under I-35 and Cesar Chavez Street, plus a pump station, to reduce flooding. Update: Drop shaft work is underway, and tunnel boring is expected to begin soon. River Street and Levander Loop trail closures last through 2028.
Timeline: mid-2025-2029
Cost: $748 million
Funding sources: TxDOT, CAMPO
Crews dig for TxDOT’s drainage tunnel near Airport Boulevard in 2025 ahead of tunnel boring.(Courtesy TxDOT)
Project: Adds shared-use paths, bike lanes, medians and signal upgrades from Barton Springs Road to US 290. Update: Bids for the southern segment, from US 290 to Montclaire Street, opened Sept. 24, with construction set for early 2027. Construction of a roundabout at Del Curto Road and Bluebonnet Lane is expected to start this fall.
Timeline: southern segment construction beginning early 2027
Cost: $60.5 million (full corridor)
Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond
A new roundabout at Mary Street and Evergreen Avenue, completed this spring, is the first finished piece of the South Lamar corridor project.(Courtesy Austin Transportation and Public Works)
Project: Replaces the century-old bridge at the Zilker Park entrance and improves the Azie Morton Drive intersection. Update: The project is in design, with bidding and contract award expected late 2026 to early 2027.
Timeline: construction beginning summer 2027
Cost: $54.5 million
Funding sources: 2020 Mobility Bond, $32 million federal Bridge Investment Program grant
The Barton Springs Road bridge turned 100 in June; the city plans to replace it, with construction expected to begin in summer 2027.(Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)
