Where some of East Austin's transportation projects stand this September

From a newly reopened highway bridge to a trail's final piece still under construction, Austin's mobility bond and Texas Department of Transportation-funded projects are moving at different speeds across the city. 

Here's a look at what's finished, what's underway and what's still ahead.

Completed projects

I-35 Capital Express Central: MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge Segment
Project: Reconstruction and widening of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35, adding sidewalks, shade structures, a safety barrier, and rebuilt I-35 entrance and exit ramps in both directions.
Update: The bridge is now fully operational, as two lanes reopened in each direction in early August. Crews are finishing shared-use paths and wider sidewalks this month.

• Timeline: October 2024–August 2026

• Cost: $34.4 million (part of the $4.5 billion I-35 CapEx Central budget)

• Funding source: TxDOT and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Ongoing projects

I-35 Capital Express Central: Lady Bird Lake Segment
Project: From Holly Street to Hwy. 79 and Ben White Boulevard, the project adds two HOV lanes in each direction, and rebuilds the Lady Bird Lake bridge, a Riverside Drive interchange, and a pedestrian-only bridge at Woodland Avenue.
Update: TxDOT revised the schematics Sept. 9. Woodland Avenue under I-35 and northbound frontage road access north of Riverside Drive are closed. Waterway passage under the bridge remains narrowed to 75 feet. 

• Timeline: expected completion in 2033

• Cost: part of the $4.5 billion I-35 CapEx Central budget

• Funding source: TxDOT and CAMPO

Airport Boulevard Corridor Mobility Program
Project: This includes safety, mobility and connectivity upgrades along Airport Boulevard from North Lamar Boulevard to US 183.
Update: Signal work is active at 51st Street and at Springdale Road as of late summer.

• Timeline: expected completion in late 2026

• Cost: $3.7 million

• Funding source: city of Austin 2016 mobility bond

MoKan Trail: Boggy Creek Bridge Segment
Project: A 1.5-mile trail connecting the Pedernales Street bike path to the Southern Walnut Creek Trail.
Update: Phase 5, the bridge over Boggy Creek, is the trail's final piece and is expected to be complete by late 2026.

• Timeline: expected completion in late 2026

• Cost: about $5.3 million–5.8 million

• Funding source: 2020 mobility bond, Community Project Funding

Upcoming projects:

Cesar Chavez Street and Red Bluff Road safety improvements
Project: The project will include new turn lanes, protected bike lanes, and improved bus stops and crossings between Pleasant Valley Road and Shady Lane, plus a dual-path urban trail extension.
Update: A community feedback survey closed May 11. Detailed design is pending review of that feedback.

• Timeline: expected completion in 2028-29

• Cost: $6.2 million

• Funding source: federal grants, 2018 and 2020 mobility bonds

E. 51st Street Mobility Project
Project: Reconstruction from I-35 to Berkman Drive will include protected bike lanes, new crossings, parking, landscaping and public art.
Update: The design reached 90% completion, according to a June 13 public open house. Construction is expected to begin next summer, nearly 15 years after voters approved the project.

• Timeline: summer 2027–2028

• Cost: $17 million

• Funding source: 2012 Austin mobility bond