January 2017

NEW MERGING TECHNIQUE TO BE TESTED ON I-35

The Waco District will soon begin testing a new way for I-35 drivers to merge with another lane of traffic near construction zones — when traffic begins to back up. Experts say it could save time, increase safety and lessen road rage. Officially, the technique is called Dynamic Late Merge (DLM). However, some states where the merge method is being used refer to it as a "Zipper Merge."| Read More

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE: BUILDING LANDSCAPES ALONG WITH ROADWAYS

In the midst of ongoing construction, demolition and traffic upheaval, I-35 travelers can look forward to wildflowers, trees and greenery as the light at the end of a concrete tunnel. Over the last four years, TxDOT landscape architects have begun pushing attractive landscapes and revegetation to the forefront of the I-35 agenda. | Read More

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

SECTION 1B: SALADO (FM 2843 TO FM 2484)

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DOWN THE ROAD

• Continue placing topsoil, sod, and grass wildflower seed along the mainlanes and frontage roads.
• Continue placing landscaping features on medians at FM 2268, Salado Plaza Drive, and FM 2484.
• Begin construction of the gateway monument at southbound mainlane/FM 2484 and the gateway monument and landscape amenity at northbound mainlane/FM 2268.
• General clean-up throughout the project.
• Install illumination along construction projects.

SECTION 1C: SALADO TO BELTON (FM 2484 TO US 190/FM 436)

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MILESTONES

• Completed work on bridge joints along both the northbound mainlane and the southbound mainlane at Nolan Creek and FM 436.

DOWN THE ROAD

• Continue placing topsoil, sod, grass, andwildflower seed along the mainlanes and frontage roads.
• Continue restriping the intersections at FM 436/US 190.
• Begin working on bridge joints along both the northbound mainlane and the southbound mainlane at Nolan Creek and FM 436.
• Install illumination along construction projects.

SECTION 2B: TEMPLE (S. LOOP 363 TO N. LOOP 363)

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LANE CLOSURES

• Southbound exit ramp #302 (Nugent Ave.) is closed indefinitely as work on mainlanes and access road continues in this area. To access the businesses near Exit #302, travelers should use Exit #301.

MILESTONES

• Completed construction of the storm sewer on the southbound frontage road from the BNSF Lampas-Sub Rail Road Overpass south.
• Completed demolition of the existing Nugent Ave. bridge and the remainder of the Industrial Ave. bridge.

DOWN THE ROAD

• Continue constructing the retaining wall on the west side of I-35 mainlanes in the Nugent area.
• Continue constructing the driveways/sidewalk near Avenue H.
• Finish the concrete rail on the west side of I-35 for the Spur 290 roadway.
• Continue constructing the retaining wall to support installation of the depressed southbound mainlane section at the south end of the project.
• Continue installing the concrete rail on the southbound frontage road structures at BNSF, Belco, and Lampasas-Sub Overpasses; southbound mainlanes south of the southern Loop 363 interchange; and retaining walls south of the Central and Adams on-ramp and southbound frontage-road header.
• Continue constructing the retaining wall on the east side of I-35 Nugent Underpass.
• Continue installing mainlane pavement at Adams/Central intersection.
• Continue constructing southbound mainlane pavement south of BNSF Belco Yard Overpass.
• Continue reconstructing permanent northbound frontage road from S. Loop 363 through the Ira Young St. Interchange.
• Continue constructing the BNSF Rail Road Underpass.
• Begin constructing the southbound mainlane pavement from the Little Elm Creek overpass south to the BNSF railroad underpass.
• Begin constructing Detour 19 to move the southbound mainlane and southbound frontage road for the next phase of the BNSF railroad underpass.

SECTION 3A-1: TEMPLE TO TROY (N. LOOP 363 TO N. TROY CITY LIMIT)

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MILESTONES

• Completed construction of the temporary pavement to move traffic to the new southbound mainlanes.
• Completed the new southbound exit ramp to Loop 363.
• The new entrance to Loop 363 is now open.

DOWN THE ROAD

• Continue working on the northbound frontage road between Berger/Hart Rd. and FM 1237.
• Begin working on the northbound frontage road just north of N. Loop 363.
• Install signs and light poles for new southbound mainlanes.
• Build temporary pavement to move traffic on new southbound mainlanes.
• Finish work and open new southbound mainlanes including new entrances and exits.
• Set the bridge beams over the northbound mainlanes at the South Troy Bridge.
• Begin working on the bridge embankment for the northbound mainlane bridge at Berger/Hart Rd.

SECTION 3A-2: TROY TO BRUCEVILLE-EDDY (N. TROY CITY LIMIT TO WOODLAWN RD.)

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MILESTONES

• Completed the beams on the new northbound mainlane bridge at UPRR.
• Complete the deck on the new northbound mainlane overpass at Old Blevins.

DOWN THE ROAD

• Continue tying in new side streets along the southbound frontage road between UPRR and FM 107.
• Continue working on the new UPRR bridges.
• Pour the deck on the new northbound mainlane bridge at UPRR.
• Continue building the embankment for the new southbound mainlanes from FM 107 to UPRR.
• Continue installing drainage structures for the new northbound frontage road between Big Elm Rd. and Old Blevins.
• Continue work on the new northbound mainlane overpass at Old Blevins.
• Continue work on the new southbound mainlane overpass at N. Eddy Dr.
• Continue work on the east half of the new southbound frontage road between FM 107 and N. Eddy Dr.
• Continue work on the new southbound mainlane overpass at Big Elm Rd.

SECTION 3B: LORENA TO HEWITT (WOODLAWN RD. TO SUN VALLEY BLVD./FM 2063)

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DOWN THE ROAD

• Connect power to bridge light fixtures.
• Complete installation of the dynamic message sign system.
• Continue planting vegetation and installing sod and topsoil.
• Complete construction of additional concrete riprap at the Callan Ranch Rd. ditch line between the southbound mainlane and southbound frontage road.
• Repair concrete pavement in eight section areas previously damaged by fire (negotiations with contractor under way).
• Complete Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations inspection repairs.
• Address erosion areas on the southbound frontage road, south of Lorena.

BRAZOS RIVER BRIDGES (WACO)

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MILESTONES

• Project completed!

SECTION 4A: WACO ACCESS ROADS (MLK TO TAYLOR)

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LANE CLOSURES

• North-to-south access roads and the turnaround from MLK Blvd. under I-35 at the UPRR crossing have been permanently closed. New access roads and railroad crossing bridges will be constructed to replace them.
• The southbound frontage road turnaround between Forrest St. and UPRR has been closed permanently at Cherry St.

MILESTONES

• Completed construction for the bridge deck.
• Completed setting deck plates for the northbound railroad crossing bridge.
• Completed pouring the bridge deck for the northbound railroad crossing bridge.

DOWN THE ROAD

• Complete installing the manholes, inlets, and lateral lines on both sides of the highway.
• Complete retaining walls on all four quadrants of the UPRR crossing.
• Continue working on the Peach St. connection to the southbound frontage road.
• Begin construction of the bridge rail.
• Begin construction of the remaining retaining walls.

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