AUSTIN, Texas — Capital Metro (CapMetro) will briefly suspend the rail Red Line operations to expedite construction on a new station.
A new release from CapMetro states that the Red Line will not operate from Feb. 27 to March 3 to allow construction crews to work on the new McKalla Station at Q2 Stadium.
In addition to the suspension in operation of the Red Line, around 150 to 200 feet of Rutland Drive will be closed from Feb. 26 to March 1. This section of road will be completely closed in either direction from the railroad tracks.
Businesses in that area were notified ahead of time, according to the release, and the closure "will not prevent them from conducting their daily activities."
To help CapMetro customers still get around town, CapMetro will have a shuttle that serves the Leander, Lakeline and Howard stations before going to the Downtown station.
There will also be an alternative bus service from all rail stations for customers to be transported downtown, but it will not be directly to the Downtown station.
Crews will be working on "double tracking" and making other improvements to the North Burnet neighborhood at the same time as the closure. The improvements include drainage improvements, relocating water lines and "quiet zones," which allow trains to travel through certain areas without blowing their horn.
There are not any events scheduled at Q2 Stadium during the temporary suspension. McKalla Station is scheduled to be operational by the beginning of the 2024 Austin FC season.