Beginning Aug. 10, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Capital Express Central project that involves reconstructing Interstate 35 (I-35) over Lady Bird Lake will impact use of Lady Bird Lake, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake, and several other City-owned assets, including Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park, Chicano Park, and Norwood Dog Park. The project, led and managed by TxDOT, will include detours, limited access, and closures throughout the life of the project, currently slated to be completed in 2033. 

While specific dates have not yet been determined for much of the project, TxDOT I-35 Capital Express Central project impacts to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk, Lady Bird Lake, and city parks include:

• Closure of the parking lot and surrounding area underneath the I-35 bridges and fencing installation on August 10, 2025, for the duration of the construction phase.
• Trail detours on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake near the I-35 bridges for August 2025, as TxDOT crews store equipment and materials. TxDOT will create ADA-accessible trail detours that will be used as construction activity begins in the north shore area.
• Rerouting and intermittent closures on the north and south shores of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk near the I-35 bridge area for the construction phase. The trail will periodically close for three to five days at a time, up to three times per year for the life of the construction phase.
• Access on Lady Bird Lake near the I-35 bridges and east-west passage on Lady Bird Lake near the I-35 bridges will periodically close for three to seven days at a time, up to three times per year throughout the construction phase. These closures include restricting boating, paddling, and other activities near the bridges to ensure public safety during demolition and construction activities.
• Partial or complete closure of Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park, Chicano Park, and Norwood Dog Park for part or all of the construction phase.
• TxDOT’s construction work along the north and south shores of Lady Bird Lake near the I-35 bridges will require the trimming and removal of various trees in the area. TxDOT can trim and remove trees located within its right-of-way. TxDOT’s construction work also requires the removal of three trees at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach.

TxDOT has committed to implementing best management practices for erosion and sediment control, utilizing containment systems to prevent construction runoff from entering Lady Bird Lake, conducting regular inspections and monitoring of water quality throughout the construction period, and mobilizing rapid response protocols for any spills or water quality incidents for the duration of the I-35 project.

Public notifications and signage will be provided by TxDOT and/or its contractor in advance of any trail and lake closures. Once TxDOT informs the City of specific dates to trail rerouting and restricted access to Lady Bird Lake, the City will share information with stakeholders and the community.

Media and public inquiries about TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central project and impacts to City of Austin amenities, including Lady Bird Lake, the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk, and City Parks can be directed to TxDOT’s public communication lead Jeff Barker jeffrey.barker@txdot.gov (512) 870-7585.

Austin residents can access TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central project website for  complete project information. 

Austin residents can access the City’s I-35 project information website at AustinTexas.gov/I-35Mobility. This website will include impacts to City-owned assets like those mentioned above, as well as ways to receive updates from TxDOT. You can also find previous engagement by the City of Austin with TxDOT related to this project.