Work includes constructing braided ramps (where one ramp crosses over the other) along the northbound I-35 mainlanes between Hester's Crossing and RM 620 to eliminate traffic merging/weaving conflicts.

Construction is under way on a $28.1 million project to improve safety and mobility along I-35 in Williamson County between U.S. 79 and SH 45 North. The project will address the existing traffic bottleneck north of SH 45N where more than 177,000 vehicles a day use the I-35 mainlanes.

The Texas Department of Transportation joined Williamson County Precinct Three Commissioner Valerie Covey, city of Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw and members of the community at the project's groundbreaking ceremony.

Work includes constructing braided ramps (where one ramp crosses over the other) along the northbound I-35 mainlanes between Hester's Crossing and RM 620 to eliminate traffic merging/weaving conflicts. In addition, the north and southbound frontage road intersections at I-35 and U.S. 79 will be reconstructed and a third left-turn lane for westbound U.S. 79 will be added. The proposed benefits of the project include:

• Increased mobility and travel speeds, especially during peak periods

• Increased merging distance for the existing SH 45N northbound flyover to I-35

• Increased safety by eliminating the merge/weave conflict between the Hester's Crossing entrance ramp and RM 620 exit ramp

Work on the 2.3-mi. (3.7 km) project began in late June 2016. Construction was funded by Proposition 1 and is expected to be complete in winter 2018-2019. The project contractor is Capital Excavation Company.

For more information, visitTxDOT.gov.

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