ROADS/BRIDGES: TxDOT plans for over $4 billion in I-35 projects
June 23, 2016
Some of the improvement projects could begin within the next few years, while others may take decades
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning to put between $4.2 billion and $4.5 billion toward easing traffic on the highly congested Interstate 35.
At this stage, however, only $300 million has gone to the project.
Seven of the new I-35 projects are already funded, and two start in the next week: the Slaughter Creek Overpass and the bridge from Stassney Lane to William Cannon Drive. TxDOT also plans to add 92 more traffic cameras and more than 40 digital signs that give real-time travel updates along the corridor.
The project that will take the most planning, time, money and patience is a tolled express lane from Round Rock to San Marcos.
As for I-35 through downtown Austin, there are no plans for additional lanes, other than the toll lane, but TxDOT is exploring other options, one of which would lower the main lanes and leave intersections and frontage roads at ground level. TxDOT hopes those options will begin the process of relieving Austin’s traffic.
