The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun the final phase of I-35 reconstruction through Waco, a significant milestone in the long-planned My35 improvement project that has been years in development. The latest phase, the I-35 Waco South project, commenced in February 2025 and will continue through early 2029.
Stretching from 12th Street to Highway 6, the project will upgrade approximately three miles of I-35 main lanes and frontage roads. It ties directly into the completed Waco North segment, which finished in November 2022, and will be the last section of I-35 improvement through the city.
One of the most notable changes will come at the Valley Mills Drive intersection, where the current northbound flyover will be removed and replaced as part of the DDI reconstruction.
Construction is estimated cost $250 million.
Traffic Changes and Long-Term Closures
As crews begin work today, June 23, traffic in both directions of I-35 between 12th Street and South Loop 340 is being reduced to two lanes, starting with the southbound main lanes. Nightly lane closures will be in place during this stage of work, and drivers are advised to follow signs and be careful in work zones.
Once traffic is diverted, several northbound exits and direct connectors will be shut for the duration of the project—expected to be around two years. They include:
Exit 331 (New Road) and Exit 333A (Valley Mills Drive/La Salle Avenue) — Northbound drivers will need to exit at S Loop 340/Marlin (Exit 330A).
Exit 334A (17th/18th Streets) — Drivers should exit at Exit 333B (24th–19th Streets) instead.
Eastbound S. Valley Mills Drive direct connect to northbound I-35 — This connect will also be closed.
Loop 340 direct connect to northbound I-35 — Drivers will be diverted to exit at I-35 South east of Bagby Avenue and use the cloverleaf to return to I-35 North.
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Project Scope and Improvements
The I-35 Waco South project involves extensive upgrades designed to increase safety, mobility, and future traffic flow. Some highlights include:
Adding main lanes from six to eight lanes (four in each direction)
Reconstructing overpasses and frontage roads
Extending discontinuous frontage roads
Realigning and redesigning entrance and exit ramps
New sidewalks for better pedestrian and bicycle safety
New bridges and traffic control system upgrades
Utility and drainage system upgrades
Building a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Valley Mills Drive to improve traffic efficiency
A Key Corridor for Texas
I-35 is a significantly vital north-south route for the state of Texas, and it hauls a big volume of commercial and regional traffic from Laredo to Gainesville. It plays an extremely important role in Waco to connect the city with neighboring regions and allow the movement of goods, services, and people.
The Waco South project is part of the overall My35 plan, a multi-phased, long-term project to improve and upgrade the I-35 corridor. With this final phase complete, Waco will have an entirely improved stretch of I-35 that enhances mobility and safety for future generations.
TxDOT asks motorists to stay informed, drive cautiously through the work areas, and be patient as crews finish this final phase of the big infrastructure project.
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I-35 Reconstruction Project: I-35 Waco South Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Project Name: I-35 Waco South (Final Phase of My35 Improvement Project)
Agency: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Timeline: February 2025 – Early 2029
Budget: $250 million
Location: Interstate 35 through Waco, Texas (12th Street to Highway 6)
Project Scope
Length: Approximately 3 miles of I-35 main lanes and frontage roads
Lane Expansion: From 6 to 8 main lanes (4 in each direction)
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Key Improvements:
Reconstructed overpasses and frontage roads
Extended discontinuous frontage roads
Realigned entrance and exit ramps
New sidewalks for pedestrian/bicycle safety
New bridges and traffic control systems
Utility and drainage upgrades
Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Valley Mills Drive
Traffic Impacts & Closures
Immediate Changes
Both directions narrowed to 2 lanes between 12th Street and South Loop 340
Nightly lane closures during construction phases
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