I-35 Statewide Planning Overview

Interstate 35 (I-35) extends 1,568 miles from the Texas/Mexico international border in Laredo to Duluth, Minnesota, with connections to Canada. Within Texas, I-35 covers a third of that length, a distance of approximately 588 miles including I-35E and I-35W. For Texans,  I-35 serves multiple purposes. As an interstate, it provides a critical north-south gateway for Texans and the Texas economy to and from destinations inside Texas, Mexico, and the rest of the United States and Canada. I-35 is also called Texas' "Main Street" because it serves local trips within and between Texas metropolitan areas. In fact, 40 percent of Texans live within the metropolitan areas along I-35. I-35 is the central north-south backbone for Texans' intrastate, interstate, and international personal travel and commerce.

The varied and dynamic users of I-35 create substantial demand on the system, so it's no surprise that sections of I-35 make up 17 of Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadway Segments.

In the face of limited funding TxDOT is working hard to leverage local and private partnerships to meet the vision outlined by Texans as part of the "My 35 Study." TxDOT is also exploring strategies to efficiently utilize the existing highway by working with local transit agencies, implementing improved traveler information systems and providing travel options for commuters and other peak-period travelers.

The purpose of statewide planning for I-35 is to coordinate on-going studies and projects, facilitate and streamline project implementation (including identifying funding), and to identify additional efforts needed to address safety, congestion, and connectivity needs statewide.