I-35 | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station

An aerial view of the crash site on I-35 after the wreckage had been cleared.

I-35 construction zone safety to be examined as part of federal investigation into deadly crash

Nathan Bernier

Federal investigators are reviewing the construction site's safety protocols and examining the truck driver's background, as well as the practices of his employer. A final report with recommendations might not be released for two years.

An aerial view as hazmat crews in high visibility vests work on cleaning the southbound mainlanes of I-35. The ground appears to be darkened or blackened in areas where the crashes happened.

Austin

I-35 southbound reopens after 17-vehicle crash claims five lives; suspect in custody

Andy Jechow

Five people, including a child and an infant, were killed in the crash on southbound Interstate 35 near Parmer Lane late Thursday night. Eleven people were taken to local hospitals after the crash, which involved a semitruck.

An aerial view of I-35, looking north at the interchange with U.S. 183. It's a bright, sunny day and traffic volumes are moderate. Lining the highway are parking lots, hotels and other businesses.

Transportation

TxDOT wants to keep approving its own federal environmental reviews

Nathan Bernier

The deadline for public comments on TxDOT's environmental powers is Monday at 10:59 p.m.

A six-year effort to expand I-35 from U.S. 290 East in Austin just past Travis County's northern border will add 23 miles of lanes to the 11.5-mile stretch of highway.

Transportation

Your ultimate guide to the I-35 expansion through North Austin

Nathan Bernier

A walkthrough of TxDOT's on-road plans along the 11.5 miles of I-35 from US 290 East to SH 45 North.

A daylight view of the planned deck park spanning Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street. The rendering included shaded pavilions and open grassy areas. A two story building has a rooftop patio with people dining under tables shaded by umbrellas.

Transportation

I-35 caps plan reconsidered as cost estimates soar by 61%

Nathan Bernier

TxDOT's timeline requires the city to choose which highway decks to move forward with by Dec. 12, leaving the city council less than four weeks to make a decision that could shape the character of downtown Austin for generations.

Mexican free-tailed bats — like this one held by Lee Mackenzie with the Austin Bat Refuge — live along I-35 where TxDOT is ripping up roads and bridges to expand the highway through Travis County.

Transportation

Thousands of Austin's bats will be displaced by I-35 expansion

Nathan Bernier

From Howard Lane to Onion Creek, bat colonies will lose roosting sites due to highway demolition. TxDOT is vowing to build them back.

Transportation

Largest I-35 expansion kicks off amid protests in Austin

Nathan Bernier

The Interstate 35 Capital Express Central Project will add 32 miles of lanes between Ben White Boulevard and U.S. 290 East. Construction could last a decade.

A woman standing for a portrait photograph at Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant in Austin. She is wearing a sleeveless dress with a vibrant mix of green, black and printed fabric accents. She is leaning against a green wall that matches the shade of he dress. Her reflection can be seen in the window next to her.

Life & Arts

Human impact of I-35 expansion captured in new Austin photo exhibit

Nathan Bernier

Photographer Liz Moskowitz is using analog film to archive the stories of people pushed out by the highway project and those worried about staying.

Six people in hard hats shovel dirt in a row

Transportation

City of Kyle breaks ground on new road project while Hays County pushes for more

Maya Fawaz

Construction started Tuesday on the first of eight road projects funded by a 2022 bond. Hays County is asking voters to approve a $440 million bond this fall that would overlap with some of these projects to help improve safety and congestion.

A collage of all five mayoral candidates' portraits edited together.

Transportation

Where do Austin's mayoral candidates stand on transportation issues?

Nathan Bernier

Five candidates on five topics: Project Connect, I-35, the airport, reducing single-occupancy vehicles and converting car lanes to space for pedestrians and cyclists.