Central Texas I-35 expansion announced

WACO, TX// Today local State Representative Jim Dunnam applauded TxDOT's vote to expand Interstate 35 to six lanes between Salado and Hillsboro, including most of McLennan County. The Texas Transportation Commission voted Thursday to approve the expansion, which had been recommended by TxDOT staff. The project has been in the works for many years.

"This stretch of I-35 is incredibly dangerous right now," said Rep. Dunnam. "There are accidents every single day. That is why I have worked so hard to make sure this project happens. We've needed six lanes here for a long time."

The I-35 expansion is one of many highway projects approved by the Texas Transportation Commission Thursday. The projects will be funded by Proposition 12 bond proceeds, which were approved by the voters in 2007 and by the Legislature earlier this year.

"Expanding I-35 in Central Texas will reduce congestion and save lives," said Rep. Dunnam. "The Transportation Commission has been promising to expand I-35 to six lanes in this area for years. This is a vital step."

The project will receive over $1 billion of the roughly $2 billion in bonds approved by the Legislature this session, and expand an additional 29.6 miles of I-35 to six lanes.