The gyratory highway around Dallas will be widened along a key stretch – image courtesy of © Waingro, Dreamstime.com
A new highway widening project in Texas will cut congestion around the city of Dallas. The US$1.74 billion project is being planned by the Texas Department of Transportation and involves widening a 17.6km stretch of I-635 between the interchanges that link with US 75 and I-30.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the general-purpose lanes will be expanded and the existing tolled managed lanes will be rebuilt. When complete, there will be a total of 10 general purpose lanes and two tolled managed lanes. The project will also include the construction of continuous frontage roads in both directions and provide numerous intersection improvements.
Safety and mobility will benefit from the work, which will help to reduce congestion at peak periods. The I-635 East highway stretch opened in 1969 and was designed to accommodate 180,000 vehicles/day. However, this stretch of I-635 now handles an average of 230,000 vehicles/day and delays are common for drivers while safety has also been compromised by the congestion. This increase has contributed to the roadway’s top 30 ranking for the state’s most congested roadways list. The Texas Transportation Commission has designated the 635 East Project as part of the statewide Texas Clear Lanes initiative, intended to address the most congested roadways in the state’s metropolitan areas. The project is designed to relieve congestion, provide local connectivity and improve safety.
Construction commenced in the second quarter of 2020, while completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Of note though is the growing disquiet about many road projects in Texas. There have been a number of demonstrations against new road works amidst concern over pollution and climate change. The state has traditionally been very car-centric but there is a growing movement towards more sustainable transport in Texas.
