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Request for Qualifications Issued for I-35E Project

Department looking to improve highly congested corridor in Dallas and Denton counties

AUSTIN – Expansion of I-35E is a crucial element in responding to traffic congestion throughout North Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is one step closer to seeing that goal accomplished.

TxDOT issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) this week to develop, design and construct, and potentially finance, maintain and operate all or any portion of the I-35E project in Dallas and Denton counties from I-635 to US 380. The RFQ will seek proposals to develop the project through the design-build and/or toll concession delivery methods. The North Texas Tollway Authority waived its right to develop the project in late September 2011.

I-35E opened as part of the original national interstate system almost 50 years ago. Over the past decade, the northern link of the corridor has been under a constant state of maintenance, planning and construction. Once complete, the goal of this high-priority project is to replace the functionally obsolete and deteriorating infrastructure, as well as eventually add capacity to account for the projected increases in traffic volume.

"Our partners in the North Texas region have made it very clear that this large project is one of their highest priorities," said Bill Meadows, Texas Transportation Commissioner. "This is one of our agency’s top priorities, too. That’s why I’m glad to see TxDOT, our local partners and the Texas Legislature agree that expediting this project through the use of a public-private partnership is the right thing to do to get this important project built."

TxDOT received authority from the 82nd Texas Legislature under Senate Bill 1420 to develop 11 specific projects, including I-35E, through public-private partnerships (PPP). This also necessitated the formation of a SB 1420 Committee to help make determinations on project risk and funding methods. PPPs allow the department to contract with the private sector for the design and construction, and possibly the financing, operation, and maintenance of a project. The state, however, retains ownership of the project at all times.

Michael Morris, director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments and chair of the project’s SB 1420 Committee, said I-35E in Dallas and Denton counties is one of the oldest, most highly congested transportation corridors in the region.

"Critical to statewide goods movement and part of the North American Free Trade Agreement corridor, I-35E is a principle route for North Texans as well as state, national and international commerce," Morris said. "In partnership with TxDOT and local leaders, the private sector will bring the tools necessary to ensure we expeditiously address the need for improvements and capacity in the corridor."

The planned development will provide increased capacity through the use of congestion pricing on new managed lanes and the addition of new general purpose and frontage road lanes. These improvements are critical to the region's continued mobility and economic viability, and will relieve congestion, reduce travel time, and improve air quality, as well as provide social and economic benefits to the region and beyond.

"The I-35E project will provide a transportation system appropriate for today’s travel needs," Meadows said. "This project will ensure the safe, efficient and effective movement of people and goods, and that’s always our top priority."

For more information call TxDOT’s Government & Public Affairs Division at (512) 463-8700.

The Texas Department of Transportation
TxDOT is responsible for maintaining over 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its more than 12,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and increasing the value of the state’s transportation assets. Find out more at www.txdot.gov. Follow us! www.facebook.com/txdot, www.twitter.com/txdot.