Getting to the Longhorns baseball game through MLK & I-35 construction zone
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Longhorns baseball team is hoping for a sweep this week as they take on Florida, but fans may strike out on their drive to and from the stadium as they navigate construction on MLK Jr. Boulevard at Interstate 35.
As the sun set on the night of April 25, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) took a major step and demolished the north side of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35.
"Right now, it's a phased, methodical demolition of the MLK Boulevard bridge," Jeffrey Barker, a TxDOT Austin Spokesperson.
The reconstruction of the MLK Bridge over I-35 is part of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project. TxDOT intentionally kicked off this portion of the project at MLK, knowing how busy it is.
"We know how important this area is. This east-west crossing to the corridor with UT right here with Moody Center, Disch Faulk Field. You know, you've got top five UT baseball team, UT softball team, all hosting games, likely NCAA Regionals," said Barker.
And this weekend, a series of games means more traffic coming to campus. The westbound side of MLK Jr Blvd is down to just one lane as you drive past the baseball stadium, so finding an alternate route to the games that allows you to avoid the intersection of MLK at I-35 is recommended.
In addition to extra traffic and people going to events on the UT campus, drivers should also be aware of those working on the projects.
In 2024, nearly 28,000 traffic crashes occurred in work zones in Texas. In those, 215 people died and 825 people were seriously hurt. It's worth noting, 81% of the deadly crashes in work zones were the drivers and their passengers, not those working on the projects.
"It's important to remind folks that when you are driving through or near a work zone to please remain aware. Put down those distractions. Slow down. Watch out for signage in the area. Look out for crews, pedestrians, equipment, all the above," said Barker.
The north side of the bridge will be rebuilt and open later this year, then they'll shift traffic and start demoing and rebuilding the south side. The entire reconstruction of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge is expected to wrap sometime in 2026.