The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to commence construction on the expansion of Interstate 35 (I-35) near downtown Austin. This project has been approved, allowing TxDOT to move forward with its plan to expand I-35 in Austin. The estimated cost of this venture is around $4.5 billion.
TxDOT has completed important environmental paperwork, following the regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act. This significant milestone clears the way for the next phase of action, which involves finalizing the project’s design and undergoing thorough reviews.
The I-35 expansion project spans approximately eight miles, starting from U.S. Hwy. 290 East to SH 71 and Ben White Boulevard. The goal of this endeavor is to introduce special lanes for vehicles with multiple occupants, exempt from tolls. Additionally, plans include removing elevated sections and lowering certain segments of the road to improve traffic flow.
Construction Timeline and Phases
The construction on the I-35 expansion project is expected to begin in mid-2024. TxDOT officials have outlined that the project will be executed in phases, with the first round of contracts, out of a total of six, open for bidding early next year. This sequential contract award approach will guide the project’s progress, and the entire construction process is likely to span approximately a decade.
To accommodate the project’s needs, around 54 acres of additional land will be required. Out of this parcel, approximately three acres will be allocated for construction purposes over the ten-year construction period. An additional 25 acres near Lady Bird Lake will be used for storing and managing bridge construction equipment.
Currently, construction work is already underway for other sections of the I-35 expansion project in Austin. The northbound portion began in March, and the southbound section was initiated in November of the previous year. These segments collectively contribute to a broader endeavor projected to cost approximately $5.9 billion. Funding for these projects is a collaborative effort between TxDOT and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure in Austin.
