From the cover
Elevating I-35
BY JARRETT WHITENER
About the project
What they’re saying
Moving forward
What’s happening?
1 NEX North 2 NEX Central 3 NEX South Entrance ramps
3009
1
1604
In addition to elevated lanes, the section of I-35 from FM 3009 to FM 1103 will also be expanded to 10 total lanes in the NEX North project. The elevated lanes will serve as an expedited way to travel along I-35, featuring less access points to the ground lanes. Elevated lanes will also include turnarounds for emergency vehicles allowing for better response times, according to the project website. Expanding the lanes will help reduce traffic con- gestion from daily drivers. In 2023, the contractors working on the project completed 223 columns for the elevated lanes, Lopez said.
TxDOT has launched a website for the project to share information and updates with residents. The website is www.i35nex.com.
Selma
Hollywood Park
Lopez said in the coming months, steel girders will be installed over the lanes of Loop 1604 at the I-35 interchange, and commuters can expect temporary closures. “During this process, all lanes of Loop 1604 at the I-35 interchange will be closed 24/7 for one weekend,” Lopez said. TxDOT engineers said they are working to implement traffic management plans during construction to help reduce congestion along I-35 and ensure the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians. While traffic changes will occur through- out the project, Lowder said she believes the end result will benefit Live Oak and surrounding communities. “It is our hope the commuter lane project will relieve much of the daily congestion while adequately accommodating for current and future travel demand,” Lowder said.
1103
After nearly two years of construction on the I-35 Northeast Expansion, areas around Live Oak, Universal City and Selma are starting to see elevated lanes constructed near the intersection of I-35 and Loop 1604. The entire project will cost nearly $3 billion, with NEX Central costing around $1.6 billion, NEX South costing nearly $940 million and NEX North costing around $430 million. Laura Lopez, public information officer for TxDOT said the central portion from Loop 410 to around FM 3009 is the largest part, adding elevated lanes on 9.5 miles of I-35. Donna Lowder, Live Oak economic development director, said city staff will update residents on traffic changes during the TxDOT project. “Our goal is to keep commuters safe and business commerce flowing in the best way possible,” Lowder said.
2
CIBOLO VALLEY DR.
Schertz
Live Oak
1518
2022 2024
78
June 2022 NEX Central began
WURZBACH PKWY.
35
Cibolo
Universal City
2024 NEX South Phase 1 to begin
PERRIN BEITEL
410
2027 NEX Central to be completed 2030 Entire project to be completed May 2025 NEX South Phase 2 to be bid on September 2025 NEX North to be bid on November 2024 NEX South Phase 3 to be bid on
2025
410
1604
3
281
1516
I-35 average daily drivers
1518
Fort Sam Houston
Kirby
250,000
2027 2030
72% increase in drivers
N
FROST BANK CENTER DR.
430,000
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911
RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244
LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600
STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322
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