Txdot To Close Travel Lanes In Preparation For Roundabout Opening

The $16.5 million project is being constructed by Capital Excavation Company. Full project completion is expected by spring 2018, weather permitting.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation will temporarily close travel lanes in each direction at the southbound I-35 frontage road and 51^st Street intersection to prepare to open the first phase of the new roundabout.

Beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, the southbound I-35 frontage road will close, and traffic will be detoured to the intersection bypass lane. Eastbound 51^st Street will be closed at the southbound I-35 frontage road. Westbound 51^st Street will be reduced to one lane, and drivers will be detoured to the southbound I-35 frontage road.

At 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, drivers headed west on 51^st Street will not be able to turn onto the southbound frontage road and will detour through the intersection to Airport Boulevard. (See attached illustrations for greater detail.)

At 5 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, one lane will open in the roundabout. Traffic signals will be removed, and officers will be on site to direct traffic through the new intersection. When complete, the roundabout will include two lanes.

Road signs will be placed to alert drivers of the closure, and motorists should allow extra time to travel through the area. TxDOT asks the traveling public to be patient and remain aware when traveling through the work zone.

The $16.5 million project is being constructed by Capital Excavation Company. Full project completion is expected by spring 2018, weather permitting.

To learn more about the I-35 at 51st Street project, visit My35Construction.org. For media inquiries, contact Diann.Hodges@txdot.gov or (512) 832-7027.