AUSTIN (KXAN) — Work is slated to begin on the revamped Austin Convention Center this spring — and with it comes lane closures downtown.
The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department flagged the planned roadway impacts as part of a presentation to the Austin Mobility Committee Thursday. Transportation officials have been collaborating with the Convention Center project team and its designers and contractors on that project as it gears up for its spring kickoff, according to presentation documents.
Construction on the revitalized facility is set to last roughly 3.5 years, based on the latest timelines. Lane closures are planned in the immediate area for the duration of that work, transportation officials noted.
During the first phase of construction, there will be one northbound vehicular lane open on Red River Street, while Trinity Street will be closed to vehicle traffic. All five lanes will remain open on Cesar Chavez Street, while pedestrian traffic will be relocated to the south side sidewalk and bicyclists will be detoured to area streets, documents added.
That initial phase of construction is expected to run from spring 2025 to spring 2026. Transportation officials said city leaders have worked with businesses, hotels, residents and emergency responders about the planned construction impacts, along with the city’s partners at CapMetro and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Travel impacts will be communicated via text alerts, emails, overhead electric signage on Cesar Chavez Street and on social media, per the presentation documents. Officials confirmed the Convention Center project team is also poised to update Rainey Street residents, hotels and businesses on substantial changes due to the construction.
The full update is available online.
