Growing pains 🏗

Breaking down TxDOT’s I-35 expansion plans

A rendering of possible changes to I-35 and Riverside.

TxDOT is currently evaluating different ways to improve I-35 in Central Austin. | Rendering via TxDOT

The Texas Department of Transportation is currently working through plans for expanding I-35 in Central Austin. Although it is still in design stages, the project could significantly reshape part of downtown. Here’s what you need to know.

First off, why?

As reasoning for the expansion, TxDOT officials pointed toward the highway’s issues with safety and mobility.

A recent study named a stretch of the highway the third-most-congested roadway in Texas. And with Austin’s population predicted to balloon in the coming years, experts worry this traffic will only worsen.

What do we know right now?

TxDOT is currently working on upgrading 28 miles of I-35 through Austin, stretching from Round Rock to Buda. The effort is broken into three sections: North, Central, and South. Construction has already begun on the North and South projects.

The Central upgrades would affect eight miles of the highway, between U.S. 290 in the north and Hwy. 71 to the south, and cost ~$4.9 billion. Potential changes include:

Two new, non-toll, high-occupancy lanes
Reconstructing east-west cross bridges
Lowering some main traffic lanes from the upper deck to below ground level
Adding lanes on frontage roads, some of which would also be widened
Adding ~16 new miles of bike lanes and pedestrian paths

A rendering of possible changes to I-35 Downtown. — One proposed change for I-35 involves new pedestrian walkways over the highway.

What else should I know?

To put in new highway lanes, the state will need land. The expansion means that ~107 business owners and residences may be displaced.

That said, the plans are not yet final. Although the design stage is expected to be completed by next year, construction may not begin until as late as 2025 and the project might not be completed until 2030.

Check out the full plans here, and submit commentary about the project online or via email before Tuesday, March 7.

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Tuesday, Feb. 21

A Talk with Kam Franklin | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6-8:30 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | Franklin will talk about Black resistance as seen in fashion and self-expression, dating back to the Suffragettes.
University of Texas Men’s Basketball vs. Iowa State | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 8-10 p.m. | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | Cheer on the Horns as they face down Iowa State.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

ATXPlained LIVE | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $23-$43 | KUT’s series breaks down questions from the Austin community.
Chrissy Judy | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Galaxy Theatres Austin, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin | $15 | Catch this special showing of “Chrissy Judy,” a dark comedy examining queer culture and friendship.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Foxtrot Market Burnet Opening Day Party | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 4-7 p.m. | Foxtrot Market, 4800 Burnet Rd., Austin | Free | Celebrate the grand opening of Foxtrot Market’s first Austin location with live music, food, and wine.
Local Author Night | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin | Free | Spend an evening with local authors Todd Sanders, Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, Alexander Hiers, and Jonah Fujikawa.

Friday, Feb. 24

Dr Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat | Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, April 23 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $16-$38 | This kid-friendly musical retells Dr. Seuss’s classic story.
Texas Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Show | Friday, Feb. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $34-$254 | The Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association will honor W.C. Clark, Rodney Clawson, Alejandro Escovedo, and others.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

82º | Partly cloudy | 12% chance of rain
Can you feel the heat? Central Texas is predicted to see high temperatures in the 80s most of this week, although a few cold fronts sweeping in on Wednesday and Thursday may lead to a brief drop in temperatures. 🌡 (KXAN)

Number

34,826. That’s how many tons of debris Austin Resource Recovery has collected since the winter storm… so far. The amount exceeded the total tonnage from the 2021 winter storm in just one week.

Legacy

Billy Joe “Red” McCombs died at 95 years old on Sunday. The business magnate and longtime donor to UT Austin is remembered for his car dealership empire and his help funding DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. (KVUE)

Edu

UT Austin established the state’s first Disability Cultural Center, an on-campus space for disabled university members to share information and resources. The center plans to hold both in-person and virtual events. (Austin American-Statesman)
In other Longhorn news, researchers at UT and Texas A&M designed an “e-tattoo” that collects data about the wearer’s stress levels. Developers hope the item can be helpful in medical settings or in virtual reality settings. (KXAN)

Travel

Allegiant Air will add a nonstop flight to Omaha, Nebraska starting Thursday, June 15. The new route will run twice weekly until mid-November. ✈️ (KXAN)

Austinite

Three UT students will compete on “Jeopardy!” this week. Cheer on Alison Purcell, Rohan Kapileshwari, and Anish Maddipoti as they take on the challenge, or test your own knowledge with our Austin-themed version. 📺 (Austin American-Statesman)

Ranked

It’s (almost) always sunny in Austin. A new study of average cloud cover shows the Capital City ranks as the No. 75 sunniest city in the US, and the No. 9 sunniest in Texas. See the full list.

Try This

Tomorrow is National Margarita Day. Celebrate with Simple Time Mixers by sipping on the Margarita Bundle or the Margarita Madness 3-Pack. Will that be salt or sugar on the rim? 🍹

Community

Looking for a unique night out? We thought you’d never axe. From date night to get-together with your best buds, make it a night of fun and competition at Celtic Axe Throwers. Bonus: Take 50% off your deposit with code axetoday at checkout.🪓 *

Eat

Every dinner’s a party when the food tastes good. Home Chef’s meal kit delivery service takes the stress out of mealtimes with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards, delivered right to your door. Order your first box — for 75% off.*

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Paws and the city 🐾

Calling all pet owners: Austin’s dog-friendly guide

Dog-friendly Yard Bar is a popular pup spot. | Photo by @rogers_world_

Round of a-paws, please. If you’ve read our ultimutt city guide on 35 dog-friendly places in Austin, you already know there’s an endless slew of shenanigans for you and your pooch. 🐶

🐾 Restaurants

The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. | You’re likely to catch a live show, trivia night, or even a fitness class at this outdoor patio. Grab a cocktail from The Butterfly Bar or some pasta from Patrizi’s.

The Long Play Lounge, 704 W. St. Johns Ave. | Peruse through more than 400 vinyl records inside this bar and brewery — their outdoor patio is a hot spot for dog owners.

🐾 Trails

Barton Creek Greenbelt, Multiple access points | This natural area runs through southwest Austin. Pro tip: On a hot day, head to the Greenbelt’s Sculpture Falls for a refreshing dip.

Violet Crown Trail, Multiple access points | This 13-mile trail stretches from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

31 MORE PLACES

What is the most popular dog breed in the US?

A. Standard poodle
B. Labrador retriever
C. Beagle
D. German shepherd

QUIZ YOURSELF

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: I took a trip out to Fredericksburg this past weekend to visit some family, and boy, is there a lot of wine out there.

Curious to see it yourself? Here’s our guide to the Hill Country town.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out these pet adoption tips from Fire Marshall Bill.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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