The Next 40 Acres

Rendering of proposed cap over I-35 at UT

Transforming I-35 from a barrier to a bridge

The  Texas  Department  of  Transportation’s  (TxDOT)  proposed  rebuild  of  I-35  through  Central  Austin   presents a unique opportunity for the University of Texas at Austin to connect its campus across a decades-old  dividing line. 

Athletic facilities and supportive infrastructure currently exist on both sides of the highway; the wall of I-35 that cuts through UT’s campus disincentivizes students, staff, and fans alike from crossing.

Photo of I-35 in 2023 with traffic

Thus the 'Next 40 Acres': A UT cap right in the heart of Austin, spanning the width of the sunken highway, would reconnect the long divided East and West campus facilities. Revitalized land around the cap would flourish with a new Sports & Entertainment District, consolidating present amenities and encouraging new development in this new contiguous space.

 Imagine a unified Longhorn Nation

Map showing UT campus east & west of I-35, with notable athletic facilities marked

Map showing UT campus east & west of I-35, with notable athletic facilities marked

UT athletic facilities to be unified by a cap

UT athletic facilities to be unified by a cap

Left to Right: I-35 today, looking west from the East Campus Garage & the same view as a part of the 'Unified Longhorn Nation'

Left to Right: I-35 today, looking west from the East Campus Garage & the same view as a part of the 'Unified Longhorn Nation'