I-35 Reconstruction — Next Stop: Waco North

As construction projects on I-35 in Bruceville-Eddy, Troy and Temple get closer to completion, efforts are already under way to prepare for the upcoming rebuild of I-35 through Waco, the last remaining section of reconstruction and expansion of the highway planned through the Waco District.

Contractors' bids on the first portion of the project (the longer and more expensive of the two Waco sections and the largest project in the history of the district) are scheduled to be opened the first week of December 2018. When the winning bid is determined, TxDOT and the chosen contractor will work together to set a start date for the project (expected to be in spring 2019).

A rendering of some of the improvements to the Waco North segment of I-35 reconstruction. This image highlights pedestrian and bike features.

---

Rebuilding I-35 through Waco will include removal of all the existing mainlanes, access roads, and bridges, with the exception of the N. Loop 340 bridge, which was built more recently than the other I-35 structures, originally constructed 50 or more years ago. This project (Waco North) will include the area from 12th St. north to approximately Meyers Lane, just north of N. Loop 340. The remaining section to be rebuilt (Waco South) will include the rest of the highway from 12th St. south to SH 6/S. Loop 340. (This portion is not yet funded and, therefore, there is no timetable for it to begin.)

I-35 carries more truck traffic than any other highway in Texas. New construction will include new pavement designs geared to the travel load anticipated not just today, but 30–35 years from now. Mainlanes will be increased from three to four in each direction; on- and off-ramps will be reconfigured to be safer and more effective for merging traffic. New crossings will feature safety lighting, wider lanes to accommodate bicycles and sidewalks for pedestrians. Columns under the overpasses will feature details that tie into the look of the Brazos River Bridges completed in 2014.

An illustration of support columns, part of the improvements to I-35 through Waco.

---

To introduce the project and its new elements, TxDOT is inviting the public to an Open House Tuesday, December 11, 2018, in Knox Hall at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum at the junction of I-35 and the Brazos River/University Parks Dr., from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. TxDOT personnel and contractors will be there to answer questions and explain the construction process and final product for anyone interested in attending. There will not be an official set presentation, so visitors can drop in any time during the event hours. Displays and guides will be available throughout the event, and visitors will be able to sign up for closure notices, incident alerts, and a monthly project newsletter.

Back to Volume 8, Number 9