TxDOT Breaks Ground on I-35 Capital Express South Project in Travis County

The Texas Department of Transportation was joined by Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., Commissioner Robert Vaughn, Sen. Judith Zaffirini and others to break ground on the I-35 Capital Express South project. The event celebrated the first project to begin construction under the I-35 Capital Express Program.

“Today is an important day as we take a big leap forward in our effort to reduce congestion in the Austin area,” said Chairman Bugg. “The I-35 corridor through Austin is identified as one of the most congested segments of roadway in Texas.”

This $548 million Texas Clear Lanes project will add two high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast. The project will also construct a southbound I-35 intersection bypass lane that will allow traffic to bypass Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive, improve east/west connections and add approximately 13 miles of new shared-use paths throughout the corridor.

“Today is a significant milestone in TxDOT’s mission to transform I-35 into a smart and efficient highway,” said TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson. “The I-35 Capital Express South project features the latest design techniques that focus on implementing a project that will improve our region for generations to come.”

The contractor for the project is Fluor Corporation. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 with anticipated completion in late 2028, weather permitting.

For media inquiries, contact Diann.Hodges@txdot.gov or (512) 284-1425.