In-person public meetings with virtual option
Virtual: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, by 5 p.m. CT
In-person: Tuesday, Jan. 13 (Temple) and Wednesday, Jan. 14 (Belton), from 5 to 7 p.m. CT
| Public comment deadline | Comments must be postmarked or received by Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, to be included in the official public meeting record. |
| Virtual details | The virtual meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. The presentation will be posted online on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, by 5 p.m. on this page. The virtual public meeting will feature audio and visual elements that mirror what is shared at the in-person public meeting. |
| In-person details | TxDOT is hosting two in-person public meetings in different locations throughout the Segment 1 study area starting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. All public meeting details and venue information are included below. In-person participants are invited to attend at their convenience from 5 to 7 p.m. at each public meeting. Temple Belton |
| Purpose | TxDOT is proposing to improve I-35 from south of Loop 121 in Belton to Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 in Temple (also referred to as “Segment 1”) in Bell County, Texas. |
| Description | The I-35 improvements in Bell County stretch seven miles from south of Loop 121 in Belton to Loop 363/US 190/SH 36 in Temple. The proposed improvements include: improving the I-14/US 190/I-35 system interchanges; widening I-35 in Segment 1; and improving overall safety, connectivity and mobility. Currently, the existing typical section along this corridor of I-35 includes three general-purpose lanes and two frontage road lanes in each direction; the proposed typical section would include, in each direction, an additional general-purpose lane for a total of four general-purpose lanes, three express lanes, two to three frontage road lanes and a shared-use path. Segment 1 is part of a larger project that will extend I-14 from its current terminus in Belton to BU 190 in Rogers, comprising a total of three segments. The proposed project may acquire new right-of-way (ROW). Potential new ROW would be used to accommodate additional lane capacity related to the I-35 improvements. TxDOT anticipates making a de minimis determination for this use under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Public comment on the effects of the proposed project on the activities, features, or attributes of Liberty Park may be submitted as described below. The proposed project may involve construction in wetlands. The proposed project may involve an action in a floodplain. |
| Accessibility | The virtual public meeting and in-person options will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting or in-person option, please contact Laurel Munshower at 512-537-7117 no later than 4 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the TxDOT to arrange. |
| Meeting materials | |
| How to make a comment | Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
Comments must be received or postmarked by Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, to be included in the official record of the public meeting. |
| Memorandum of Understanding | The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated July 17, 2025, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. |
Posted: Dec. 17, 2025