AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Drivers in North Austin will see some major changes this weekend, as crews open two new flyovers and close down an existing one at the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 183.
Weather permitting, crews will open the flyover connecting southbound I-35 to both directions of U.S. 183, providing direct access between the two highways. The flyover will allow southbound drivers to bypass the signalized intersection on the frontage road.
At the same time, crews are planning to close the existing flyover connecting northbound I-35 and northbound U.S. 183. In what's expected to take four months, crews will demolish and reconstruct a portion of the flyover to lessen the incline and reduce delays caused by larger vehicles that use the interchange.
During the closure, a long-term detour will be put into place, directing drivers on northbound I-35 to take the Rundberg exit, U-turn at Rundberg, and immediately get back on southbound I-35 via a dedicated ramp to take the newly opened flyover to U.S. 183.
The project also calls for entrance and exit ramps in the area to be reconfigured, aiming to improve merging and weaving along the interstate.
"The intersection of I-35 at US 183 is key to the movement of people and goods throughout Central Texas," said Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT Austin district engineer. "The opening of these two new flyovers will significantly improve mobility and traffic flow throughout the area and reduce congestion along the frontage roads and cross streets for the thousands of people who travel through this interchange every day."
A third new flyover connecting northbound U.S. 183 to northbound I-35 is currently under construction, and is expected to open later this year.
The $124.2 million project between Rundberg Lane and U.S. 290, part of the Texas Clear Lanes program, began construction in 2018 and is expected to be completed later this year.
