IH 35E from IH 635 to US 380

In 1998, TxDOT began a comprehensive review and planning study of the IH 35E corridor in Dallas and Denton Counties.  For the next 13 years, TxDOT along with communities and stakeholders along this corridor refined the designs and upgrades for this corridor.  In 2011 and 2012, TxDOT received environmental clearance for the $4.8 billion infrastructure project.  Also during that timeframe, $1 billion in funding was identified for an initial phase of the project with most coming from SH 121 regional toll revenue funds dedicated to Denton County.  In accordance with state law, TxDOT and corridor stakeholders held seven public meetings to determine the method and scope of the initial phase (Phase 1) of this project as well as lay the ground work for Phase 2 to complete the remaining elements of the corridor.

On December 13, 2012, the Texas Transportation Commission conditionally awarded Phase 1 of the project to AGL Constructors.  AGL Constructors is a Design-Build Joint Venture comprised of several notable design and construction firms including Archer Western Contractors, LLC , Granite Construction Company and Lane Construction Company.

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

Scope

The ultimate $4.8 billion project would rebuild the entire 28-mile corridor will require two phases and will provide the travelling public managed lanes with dynamic pricing on managed lanes to keep traffic moving at 50 mph.

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

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.

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.

Improvements

Phase 1 improvements include:

• one additional general purpose lane in each direction in Denton County
• two reversible managed lanes from IH 635 to FM 2181
• additional general purpose lanes and frontage roads across Lake Lewisville

Phase 2 will complete all remaining elements of the ultimate environmentally approved schematic not constructed in Phase 1.

Schedule

Phase 1 construction began October 2013 and is expected to be complete by mid-2017.

Phase 2 construction will be contingent upon fundiing and delivery method to be determined within the next 8 to 10 years.