The intersection at I-35 and Parmer Lane (FM 734) serves as a major commuter route in the Austin area. TxDOT is constructing a collector-distributor road to improve traffic flow at this busy intersection. 

The $2.14 million project will allow drivers on the northbound I-35 frontage road to bypass the Parmer Lane traffic signal. It will also remove a choke point for merging traffic with ramp reversals and realignments between Parmer and Howard Lane. In addition, the project will widen the frontage road north of Parmer Lane to better handle traffic flow.

Collector-Distributor Roads

A collector-distributor road parallels and connects the main lanes with the frontage roads or entrance ramps. They are found at intersections and allow motorists to bypass traffic lights by traveling underneath the intersection. A collector-distributor is similar to an exit ramp, but is typically longer, and has the advantage of allowing drivers to bypass traffic lights. 

Benefits include:

• Improved traffic flow by allowing vehicles to bypass traffic lights
• Improved traffic speed by increasing the distance between high-speed main lanes and lower speed frontage road traffic
• Enhanced safety by providing a place for exiting traffic to access cross streets, rather than backing up high-speed main lanes

Collector-distributor roads are already in use in the Austin area including:

• Southbound I-35 at MLK
• Northbound I-35 at 51st Street
• Northbound I-35 at FM 1431