The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is moving forward with the Capital Express Central project, a redesign of Interstate 35. This development will impact the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake. In collaboration with TxDOT and Austin Parks and Recreation, The Trail Conservancy will establish a temporary detour to maintain safety for trail users during construction.
Starting September 15, parking under the Lady Bird Lake bridge on the north shore will be closed to store equipment and materials. This area is anticipated to reopen in 2033. The detour for the Butler Trail is set to commence in October, allowing users to continue passing through via an alternate route.
Key elements of the detour include a 14-foot-wide path that aligns with recommendations from the Butler Trail Safety & Mobility Study. Sections of the path will feature decomposed granite surfacing to match the trail’s existing character, while permanent concrete will be used where infrastructure permits, such as under the north side of the I-35 bridge. Efforts are being made to preserve existing trees where possible.
Safety measures include fencing around active construction zones, with a six-foot chain-link fence surrounding both the dock and TxDOT right of way. Although vehicular traffic on East Avenue will remain two-way, some nearby on-street parking will be restricted. Additionally, the boat ramp west of I-35 near Holiday Inn will be reserved exclusively for emergency vehicles.
For more information about this project or to receive updates, visit the project website. Questions or feedback regarding the highway redesign can be directed to TxDOT’s Camille Santamaria at CSANTA-C@txdot.gov. Further details about the detour can be found in The Trail Conservancy’s press release.
Information from this article can be found here.
