End of year update on I-35 construction in Waco, Texas
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - It’s been nearly a year since the My35 Waco South project began, with construction on the highway making progress according to Texas Department of Transportation officials.
Jake Smith with TxDOT’s Waco District says this past year focused on a significant traffic switch to the Southbound side of I-35.
“That allows the contractor to begin work on the Northbound main lanes, and that’s what they’ve been doing for quite some time now and will continue to do into the new year,” he said.
Construction timeline and scope
Smith further explained that construction in 2026 construction will look similar to their work in 2025.
“Heading into 2026 you can expect more work being done on the Northbound main lanes and overpasses, as we’ve been doing this year,” he said, “continuing drainage, utility improvements… so largely more of the same but important work to be done,” Smith said.
Once Northbound work is complete, crews will over traffic to those lanes and begin construction on Southbound lanes.
The project remains on track for completion in 2029. When finished, Smith says I-35 from S Loop 340 to 12th St will be safer and easier to drive.
“You’re adding two main lanes, reconstructing frontage roads, new bridges. So not only delivering on a capacity level, but enhancing the safety connectivity of the corridor,” he explained.
Business impact
Charlie Douthit, who owns Charlie Douthit Motor Company right along I-35, says so far the construction hasn’t affected his business.
“I don’t think it’s slowed business down yet and I really don’t think as a whole that it will slow business down. If they wanna buy a car they’re gonna come here. They know where I am, I’ve been here 15 years,” he shared.
However, Douthit said the construction remains an inconvenience with three more years left. He did express some concern about upcoming Southbound construction.
“One thing that saved us for awhile is the fact they went down the other side of 35, but they’re starting down here on this side,” he said, “we’ll just have to wait and see, that’s the way it all started.”
Until the My35 project is complete Smith asks drivers to continue being patient or find alternate routes during construction.
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