I-35E Phase 2: Dallas County from I-635 to Denton County Line

Procurement for a Phase 2 of the I-35E project in Dallas County is under way. 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 future phases to complete the remaining elements of the ultimate reconstruction of the corridor.

Phase 1 of the I-35E project began in 2013 and was completed in 2018 known as the I-35E Managed Lanes Project. The project added two-lane reversible tolled managed lanes to the entire 28-mile corridor and additional general purpose lane capacity in Denton County. It also included mainlane, frontage road and interchange improvements. 

The I-35E Phase 2 project covers the southern segment of I-35E in Dallas County from I-635 to the Denton County line and is currently being progressed through a design-build project delivery. The Phase 2 project reconstructs and widens the mainlanes from six to eight lanes. It also reconstructs the two existing, grandfathered reversible tolled managed lanes, frontage roads and improves several intersections. This is a Texas Clear Lanes project. Texas Clear Lanes is a statewide strategic plan to provide congestion relief through non-tolled roads and is focused on the five largest metro areas in Texas.

Estimated Total Project Cost: $675 million

• Construction: $491.7 million
• Design: $78.3 million
• Utility Relocation: $30 million
• Right of Way Acquisition: $75 million

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

Scope

The entire I-35E project as originally proposed was estimated to cost $4.8 billion. The project has been built in phases as funding has become available.

The I-35E project received environmental clearance through a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued in December 2011.

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 included-

• One additional general purpose lane in each direction in Denton County
• Two reversible tolled managed lanes from I-635 to FM 2181
• Additional general purpose lanes and frontage roads across Lake Lewisville

Phase 2 improvements will include:

• One additional general purpose lane in each direction in Dallas County
• Full reconstruction of mainlanes, the two existing grandfathered reversible tolled managed lanes and frontage roads in Dallas County

Future phases of the I-35E ultimate reconstruction project will be progressed as funding becomes available for these improvements.

Schedule

Phase 1 of the I-35E project began construction in 2013 and was completed in 2018

Phase 2 of the I-35E project is targeted to begin construction late 2021

Future phases of the I-35E project will be progressed as funding becomes available