Get ready Austin: the South by Southwest Interactive and Film festivals are starting Friday, March 9.
The City of Austin has announced the first of several street closures and lane reductions beginning Friday.
- Northbound Congress Avenue will be reduced to two lanes between Seventh and Eighth streets from 10 a. m. to 11 p. m.
- The Rainey St. district will be closed to traffic between Driskill and River streets from 3 p. m. to 11 p.m.
- Trinity St. will be closed between Cesar Chavez.
- Fourth streets and East Second and Third streets will be closed between Trinity and San Jacinto streets from 7 a. m. to 6 a. m.
The city has more details on its website:
Aside from planned street closures, there are a number of private parties and events anticipated Downtown and just east of IH-35 which may create additional traffic delays throughout the festival. During this high-traffic time, those heading to Downtown Austin are encouraged to share rides, bike or use public transit when possible. Capital Metro has numerous routes throughout Downtown and the greater Austin area. Night Owl routes run from midnight to 3 a.m. every night but Sunday. During the SXSW music weekend (March 16-17), Capital Metro will also add buses to the No. 481 and No. 484 Night Owl routes.
You can read more about Capital Metro's increased service on its website.
A larger set of street closures and lane reductions begin March 12, and will be fully in effect March 14.
