Demolition of Colorado River Bridge to Require Major Traffic Shift

Detour Planned for Northbound Exit to Airport Blvd/Downtown

Editor’s Note: This work was originally planned for July 13 and has been rescheduled for July 20

(Austin, Texas) –The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will implement a significant northbound traffic shift on US 183 this Saturday, July 20*, as it prepares to demolish and rebuild the northbound bridge over the Colorado River. The work will require closure of the northbound US 183 exit to downtown Austin and the rerouting of traffic that uses northbound US 183 to reach Airport Boulevard, 7th Street, 5th Street and Cesar Chavez Street.

While the bridge is closed, northbound US 183 traffic will be temporarily shifted onto an adjacent bridge across the Colorado River. Northbound US 183 drivers wishing to access Airport Boulevard and the other downtown routes will follow a detour to Bolm Road, where they will use a U-turn to enter southbound US 183, and then exit at Levander Loop to access those streets. Hergotz Lane will also be closed at northbound US 183 during demolition and reconstruction of the bridge.

Other impacts include permanent removal of the existing traffic light at Vargas Road, which will be replaced with non-signalized U-turns in both directions. Drivers on northbound US 183 who wish to access Montopolis Drive will continue north past Montopolis Drive and utilize the U-turn located at Bolm Road , then take US 183 southbound to Montopolis Drive. Drivers from the south are encouraged to find alternate routes to the Montopolis neighborhood via SH 71 and Riverside Drive.

Work to tear down and replace the Colorado River bridge is expected to take approximately one year. Travel delays are likely, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the changes. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes.

The Mobility Authority will be closely monitoring the traffic changes and is prepared to make adjustments as needed to help keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible during this challenging phase of the project.

Visit the project website for more information about the effects of this traffic shift: https://www.183south.com/construction-information/major-activity

*Dates are subject to change based on weather and other circumstances.

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About 183 South:
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is building a new tolled expressway with three lanes in each direction on an eight-mile section of US 183 between US 290 and SH 71. In addition, the Mobility Authority is reconstructing and improving the non-tolled US 183 general purpose lanes and adding $25 million worth of pedestrian and bicyclist facilities. The project will open in phases between 2019 and 2020, offering greater mobility for all users of the corridor. For more information, visit www.183South.com

About the Mobility Authority

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson Counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll in Williamson County, 290 Toll in east Austin, the 71 Toll Lane in east Austin, the MoPac Express Lane in central Austin, and the 45SW Toll Road. The agency is also finishing construction of the 8-mile 183 South Project in east Austin and the 290/130 Flyovers Project to connect SH 130 and 290 Toll. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.