TxDOT is planning improvements for the widening of I-35 from FM 3002 in Cooke County, Texas to mile marker 3 in Love County, Oklahoma. Planned improvements include updating the roadway to current design standards and providing congestion relief for expected future traffic increases.
As part of the planning process, TxDOT is conducting an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed widening and realignment of I-35 from FM 3002 in Cooke County, Texas, to mile marker 3 in Love County, Oklahoma. An EA is a report that documents the existing social, economic and environmental conditions, assesses effects of the proposed alternative and identifies potential mitigation. The EA will also evaluate the effects of a no-build alternative.
Project Information
The 24-mile project extending from FM 3002 to mile marker 3 in Oklahoma includes:
- One additional lane in each direction (interim configuration)
- Two additional lanes in each direction (ultimate configuration)
- Realignment of portions of the roadway
- Two new bridges over the Red River
- Removal of the northbound Red River bridge
- Conversion of the southbound Red River bridge to a frontage road
- Realignment of a rail corridor for approximately 6.5 miles
- Conversion of two-way frontage roads to one way
- New right of way
Get Involved
The most recent public meetings for this project occurred on Feb. 5, 2015, in Gainesville, Texas and Sept. 30, 2015, in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Attendees were invited to review the purpose and need for the project, review evaluation and screening of alternatives, review a preliminary schematic of the Preferred Build Alternative and to provide input. As a result of input received at the public meetings, TxDOT revised the schematic to accommodate requests and lessen impacts.
TxDOT is working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Burlington North Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to conduct the EA. TxDOT is currently working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and their consultant to determine the preferred route of the railroad relocation. Additional public involvement is planned to discuss the revised route in the near future.
Once the FHWA approves the Draft EA, a public hearing will occur to solicit comments from the public. A Final EA addressing all comments will be prepared with an expected Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This process is expected to be complete by early 2018 with the railroad relocation planned to begin in the spring of 2019.
TxDOT currently has four survey firms developing property descriptions along the corridor for the proposed right of way (ROW). The ROW acquisition process will begin following environmental clearance. Additionally, TxDOT is in the process of hiring a consultant to prepare detailed plans for the section from FM 3002 to 0.2 miles south of US 82. TxDOT anticipates the first segment of I-35 to be constructed will be from near FM 3002 to Spring Creek in Spring 2021 with other segments to follow. Dates and timing of construction are subject to change if environmental clearance, ROW acquisition, utility relocation, or railroad relocation are not completed on time or funding does not become available as anticipated.
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125 East 11th Street • Austin, Texas 78701