$3.4 Billion Allocation Approved For Interstate 35 Revamping

AUSTIN, TX — Major Interstate 35 reconstruction through downtown Austin came closer to reality after the Texas Transportation Commission approved allocation of $3.4 billion for the revamping, state officials announced on Friday.

The work is an update to the 2020 Unified Transportation Program centered on the I-35 Capital Express Central Project, officials explained in a news release. The billions in discretionary funds were not previously allocated to the project, described as a 10-year planning document that guides the development of the state’s future transportation projects.

The I-35 Capital Express Central project proposes to add two continuous non-tolled managed lanes in each direction along the 7.9-mile section on I-35 from US 290 East to US 290 West/SH71. Additional auxiliary and frontage road lanes roads would also be built.

The multibillion-dollar windfall comes on the heels of a Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization resolution passed in April committing $633 million to the project. Additionally, some $300 million will be considered by the commission when it votes on the project in August, officials added.

The funding identified by Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. is the culmination of years devoted to planning and discussions with Gov. Greg Abbott, regional transportation planners and stakeholders, officials said.