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Three Things You Need to Know This Labor Day Weekend

Jillian Schantz Patrick for KUT News

While you're remembering the social and economic achievements of American workersthis weekend, some things to keep in mind:

There are undoubtedly other rules to follow to ensure personal safety, effective human relationships and good-old-fashioned-holiday-fun, but here are two to keep in mind:

1. No Personal Watercraft on Lake Austin

If your idea of fun is running fast and free on your jetski or "personal watercraft," then stay away from Lake Austin this weekend.  As in previous years, there's a ban in effect.  It's from sunset Friday until sunrise Tuesday.

Powerboats are allowed, as are canoes and kayaks.

2. Remember that it's a No Refusal Weekend

Austin Police announced this afternoon that the entire Labor Day holiday weekend will be a "no refusal" period. The goals is to promote safety by preventing drunk driving. A magistrate will be available to authorize blood andor alcohol searches of suspected drunk drivers. The "no refusal" policy will be in effect from 9:00 pm on Friday to 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

3. Be Ready for Street Closures and Detours

Additionally, the City of Austin says Labor Day weekend events could cause some traffic delays.

Barton Springs Road will be closed from Nature Center Drive to Lou Neff Road this evening for the Zilker Relays.

Starting at midnight, 18th Street between San Jacinto and Brazos will be closed for the Bevo Boulevard Celebration. And the ESPN Austin Game Day event will shut down 17th Street from Trinity to San Jacinto starting Saturday afternoon. You can expect these road closures during every home football game.

Finally, expect delays near Lady Bird Lake on Monday as road access will be limited due to a triathlon.

Capital Metro buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Labor Day. There will be no MetroRail or UT Shuttle service. You can learn more on the Cap Metro website

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.