183 North Mobility Project to Open Phase I of Northbound 183 Express Lanes

(Austin, Texas) — The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) has confirmed it will open the northbound 183 Express Lanes as Phase 1 of the 183 North Mobility Project the morning of January 2, 2026.

Opening of the northbound 183 Express Lanes, an integral connection between Austin and Cedar Park is a major step toward completion of the 183 North Mobility Project. This milestone offers needed mobility improvements to Central Texans along U.S. 183 between Burnet Road and S.H. 45 North.

The opening of these two express lanes offers a seamless connection northbound to Cedar Park and the 183A Toll Road, with limited entrances and exits to aid drivers in bypassing congestion along the non-tolled general-purpose lanes.

“Opening this portion of the project means drivers have a reliable travel option heading northbound when they need it most, helping keep Central Texans moving,” said James Bass, executive director for the Mobility Authority of opening the express lanes in a phased approach.

The Mobility Authority will open the northbound express lanes on U.S. 183 first, followed soon after by the northbound direct connector structure from the MoPac Express Lane to the 183 Express Lanes. The southbound express lanes and southbound connection to the MoPac Express Lane are anticipated to open within a few months, but construction timelines are always subject to change.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down and watch for signage as they familiarize themselves with the new entrance and exit opportunities. Express lanes are meant to bypass certain on and off ramps along the U.S. 183 general-purpose lanes to allow for more uninterrupted travel along the corridor. As such, there will be limited entrances and exits to the express lanes, see the Phase 1 opening map below.

The express lanes will operate under variable toll pricing, similar to the pricing drivers are already familiar with on the MoPac Express Lane. The price drivers see on the signs before entering the express lanes is the price they will pay.

Drivers in the U.S. 183 non-tolled general-purpose lanes will have access to the same entrance and exit ramps between U.S. 183 and the frontage road as before, along with the added fourth non-tolled general-purpose lane between MoPac and S.H. 45, which the project opened in 2024. Prior to the express lanes opening, non-tolled traffic will be shifted to the outside four lanes. The two new express lanes in the center of northbound U.S. 183 will be separated from non-tolled traffic by delineator posts. Barrels will block off the entrances to the new express lanes until they open on the morning of January 2, 2026.

“The goal of this project is to improve mobility for drivers, transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists with both tolled and non-tolled infrastructure. The addition of express lanes allows for a mobility solution that helps ensure transit providers can operate reliably, and emergency responders can get to the scene of an emergency when time is of the essence. These services use the Mobility Authority’s tolled facilities for free. But express lanes also offer the traveling public an option to bypass congestion for those times when they simply can’t be late,” Bass said.

The Mobility Authority will be distributing educational materials to help drivers navigate the new express lanes. There are still ongoing lane closures for work that will happen as a part of the 183 North Mobility Project. Upcoming lane closures and project updates, as well as express lane opening educational materials can be found on the project website 183North.com.

You can also follow the project via Twitter @183North.

Our team will be focused on monitoring traffic of the newly opened northbound phase, plus continuing work on the remaining phases. We will not be available for media interviews or have any initial feedback to share until at least several days post opening.

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About the 183 North Mobility Project

The 183 North Mobility Project aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion and provide more reliable travel times for transit and emergency responders along the nine-mile stretch of US 183 between SH 45 North and MoPac. The project includes the construction of two express lanes in each direction and the addition of a general-purpose lane to bring the number of non-tolled lanes to four in each direction. Express lane direct connectors will be constructed with MoPac to the south. The project also includes operational improvements to southbound MoPac, new shared use path connections, new sidewalks and cross-street connections for bicycles/pedestrians. When completed, those looking to bypass traffic congestion have a choice to use the 183 North Express Lanes. Drivers who prefer not to pay a toll will still have the option to use the improved non-tolled general-purpose lanes.

 

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, 290 Toll, 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, 45SW Toll, and 183 Toll. The agency is also constructing the 183 North Mobility Project. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.