In 1998, TxDOT began a comprehensive review and planning study of the I-35E corridor in Dallas and Denton counties. For the next 13 years, TxDOT and communities and stakeholders refined the designs and upgrades for this corridor. In 2011 and 2012, TxDOT received environmental clearance for the $4.8 billion infrastructure project. Also, $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) as well as lay the ground work for Phase 2 to complete the remaining elements of the corridor.

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

Scope

The proposed $4.8 billion project would rebuild the entire 28-mile corridor and provide managed lanes with dynamic pricing to keep traffic moving at 50 mph. Approximately $1.1 billion in funding has been identified for the project with most coming from SH 121 regional toll revenue funds dedicated to Denton County.

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

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. The project will improve mobility across Lake Lewisville with construction of a second bridge that will offer more reliability for commuters during major incidents.

Improvements

Phase 1 improvements include:

• One additional general purpose lane in each direction
• Two reversible managed lanes
• Additional general purpose lanes and frontage roads across Lake Lewisville

Phase 2 could be broken into multiple projects and completed in various stages over time. Those projects will build elements of the ultimate environmentally approved schematic not constructed in Phase 1.

Schedule

• Phase 1 construction began October 2013. A ribbon cutting was held in November 2017.
• Phase 2 construction will be contingent upon funding and delivery method to be determined within the next eight to 10 years.

Project Information

Phase 1 Financial/Funding

• Federal - $460 million
• State - $694 million (includes $534 million in Denton County RTR funds)
• TIFIA - $285 million
• Local - $14 million

Phase 2 Financial/Funding - TBD

• Overview
• Segment Map
• Draft Interim Schematic

Project Development

• Request for Information (RFI)
• Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
• Short List of Proposers
• List of Qualifications Submittals
• Request for Proposal (RFP)
• SB 1420 Committee