TxDOT is currently reviewing proposals for the I-35E project in Dallas and Denton Counties. Final proposals are due in November 2012.

The I-35E project is dedicated to improving mobility along I-35E in a safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally sensitive manner.

Scope

The proposed $4.8 billion project would rebuild the entire 28-mile corridor in phases and provide managed lanes with dynamic pricing to keep traffic moving at 50 mph. Approximately $1.1 billion in funding has been identified for the project with most coming from SH 121 regional toll revenue funds dedicated to Denton County.

The project consists of three segments:

• Segment 1 – south end, I-635 to Bush Turnpike, 5.5 miles
• Segment 2 – middle portion, Bush Turnpike to FM 2181,12.1 miles
• Segment 3 – north end, FM 2181 to US 380, 10.5 miles

Daily Usage

This section of the I-35 corridor is on the list of Texas’ 100 most congested roadways. Expanding I-35E will reduce congestion that results in lost work time, increased fuel costs and higher price of goods. The project will improve mobility across Lake Lewisville with construction of a second bridge that will offer more reliability for commuters during major incidents.

Improvements

Phase 1 improvements include:

• one additional general purpose lane in each direction
• two reversible managed lanes

Schedule

Construction could begin by 2013, contingent upon available funding and completion of the procurement process to deliver the project as a comprehensive development agreement (CDA).

Segment 2 received environmental clearance in January 2011; Segment 1 received environmental clearance in December 2011; and Segment 3 received environmental clearance in January 2012. If construction begins in 2013, work could be complete by 2017. Precise timelines for portions that will be reconstructed with new managed lanes are contingent upon funding and future proposals from developer teams.