I-35 Expansion Update: MLK Bridge in Downtown to Close Nightly Apr 25–26

The Brief

• The first phase out of six for the Capital Express Central Project commenced in October 2024.
• The MLK Bridge will experience nightly closings from April 25-26.
• TxDOT intends to tear down and rebuild the northern part of the bridge.

AUSTIN, Texas - The bridge named after Martin Luther King Jr., located on I-35 in the city center, will close to all vehicles each night over this upcoming weekend.

The organization intends to tear down and rebuild the northern section of the bridge.

Why you should care

The MLK Bridge will close entirely on Friday night, starting at 11 p.m., and will resume traffic by 9 a.m. the following day. Another shutdown is scheduled for Saturday evening, beginning at 9 p.m., lasting through the night until Sunday morning when it opens again at 9 a.m.

Access for pedestrians will be provided during the evening shutdowns of the bridge.

Big picture view

TxDOT reports that the MLK Bridge is being rebuilt to increase its width and enhance both connectivity and safety.

Sidewalks, shade structures, and safety barriers will also be included alongside the bridge.

Construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge

What they're saying

"This represents a systematic dismantling process, with teams gradually removing just a few components at once," explains TxDOT spokesperson Jeff Barker.

The first phase out of six for the Capital Express Central Project commenced in October 2024.

During the initial stage, TxDOT will tear down and rebuild the MLK bridge.

At the beginning of this month, traffic was redirected to the southern part of the bridge in preparation for the demolition set to begin on April 25th.

"This is a very bustling and crucial east-west route. That’s why it was essential for TxDOT to start this project here," explains Barker.

"Law enforcement officers will be present onsite to ensure pedestrians can cross the bridge safely," states Barker.

Eastbound and westbound traffic has diversions currently set up.

Traffic heading east on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will be redirected onto the southbound Interstate 35 service road and make a U-turn at 15th Street. For westbound traffic on MLK, they should move to the northbound I-35 service road before turning at Clyde Littlefield Drive and Maynard Road," Barker explained. "Please stay vigilant as you drive through or close to these construction areas; this involves slowing down and maintaining safe following distances, keeping your phone and other distractions stowed away, and being mindful of workers and machinery around you.

The Source

Details gathered from interviews carried out by FOX 7 Austin’s Tan Radford