Construction on two of Interstate 35’s largest projects in Waco has reached the one-year mark, but drivers should expect disruptions to continue for several more years.
The Texas Department of Transportation says both the I-35 expansion and the Highway 6 Twin Bridges project remain on track — with major milestones approaching in the coming months.
I-35 expansion nearing first paving phase
The three-mile I-35 expansion project has been under construction for about 14 months and carries a $234 million price tag.
Crews are expected to lay the first new pavement for northbound lanes next month. By May, concrete paving is scheduled to begin, according to a TxDOT update presented to the Waco City Council.
Contractor James Construction is leading the rebuild. Demolition of the northbound bridge at Primrose and Irving Lee streets is expected by summer.
Several overpasses — including those at New Road and 17th and 18th streets — have already been removed.
Northbound lanes are projected to be completed in 2027. At that point, traffic will shift to allow construction on the southbound side.
The full project is expected to wrap up in 2029, expanding the interstate to four lanes in each direction.
Highway 6 Twin Bridges project progresses
On the other side of town, work continues on the Highway 6 Twin Bridges over Lake Waco.
Contractor Orion Construction has completed about one-third of the foundation shafts needed for the new bridge structures.
By summer, traffic is expected to shift to one lane in each direction on the northbound bridge. Crews will then spend roughly 18 months replacing the southbound bridge before shifting traffic again to rebuild the northbound side.
When completed in 2029, the expanded bridge will include three lanes in each direction, along with 10-foot shoulders on both sides.
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