# Officials Break Ground On I-35 Capital Express North Project

- **Published:** 2023-04-18
- **Edition:** West
- **Source:** Construction Equipment Guide
- **Authors:** TxDOT
- **URL:** https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/officials-break-ground-on-i-35-capital-express-north-project/60850
- **Tags:** TEXAS, Texas Department of Transportation

## Summary


## Article

The Texas Department of Transportation was joined by Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., Commissioner Robert Vaughn and other officials to break ground on the I-35 Capital Express North project.

![](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/900x0_s3-60850-W-TX-I35-GB-2.jpg)

The contractor for the project is Pulice Construction Inc. Construction is anticipated to be complete in late 2028, weather permitting.

This is the second of three projects in the I-35 Capital Express Program to begin construction.

"Today is an important day to reduce traffic congestion along the I-35 corridor in the Austin area, which is one of the most congested segments of roadway in Texas." said Chairman Bugg. "The improvements we're making are a part of Governor Abbott's vision to clear traffic logjams and get Texans moving quickly again."

This $606 million Texas Clear Lanes project will construct one high-occupancy-vehicle managed lane in each direction along I-35 from SH 45 North to U.S. 290 East. The project also will reconstruct six bridges, add a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Wells Branch Parkway, reconstruct entrance/exit ramps, add intersection bypass lanes and construct shared-use paths throughout the corridor.

"The I-35 Capital Express North project represents an essential transportation route for local commuters," said TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson. "Today, we celebrate a project that offers enhanced safety and improved mobility, as well as reliable transit options and better bike and pedestrian paths."

## Necessary Improvement

I-35 through Austin is one of the most congested highways in Texas. It serves as the backbone of the local, regional and national transportation network. Lack of mobility on I-35 threatens the economic livelihood of the city and state. Improvements to this area are needed due to population and employment growth, which have caused increased congestion in the area.

## About Capital Express North

The I-35 Capital Express North project proposes to add one nontolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lane in each direction along I-35 from SH 45 North to U.S. 290 East. Managed lanes are proposed in high-congestion areas where right of way is limited. These lanes are designed to provide a less congested route than adjacent general-purpose lanes during peak periods for qualifying vehicles. Managed lanes control access by placing restrictions on use.

## Community Input, Anticipated Timeline*

The development process will incorporate public input from a series of public involvement opportunities, including open house meetings.

- Environmental study and schematic design: 2019-2021;
- Open house: Fall 2019;
- Public Hearing: spring 2021;
- Final design: 2019-2022
- Construction: 2023

_*Timeline is subject to change._

## Program Overview

The I-35 Capital Express Program comprises three projects (North, Central and South). The Central project proposes to add two managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 East to SH 71/Ben White Boulevard. The South project proposes to add two managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast.

## Photos

![Officials broke ground on the project in the final week of March. (My35 photo)](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-60850-W-TX-I35-GB-1.jpg)

![This $606 million Texas Clear Lanes project will construct one high-occupancy-vehicle managed lane in each direction along I-35 from SH 45 North to U.S. 290 East. (My35 photo)](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-60850-W-TX-I35-GB-2.jpg)

![The ceremony marks the second of three projects in the I-35 Capital Express Program to begin construction. (My35 photo)](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-60850-W-TX-I35-GB-3.jpg)