TxDOT Reschedules I-35 Northbound Mainlane Traffic Shift to Wednesday, March 17

WACO, Texas (March 16, 2021) - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to shift I-35 northbound mainlanes south of BUS 77 to the newly reconstructed lanes from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 17. The traffic shift was originally scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, March 16.

What to expect

• Alternating northbound mainlanes and all northbound entrance and exit ramps by campus will be closed from 12th Street to BUS 77. 
• The northbound frontage road from 14th Street to 8th Street is open to help with traffic flow during the shift.
• Signage will be in place to help inform and direct drivers.
• Travelers are encouraged to use Loop 340 to avoid construction zones.

Ramps Closed Wednesday-Friday

The following ramps are expected to be closed Wednesday until Friday, March 19, to allow for reconstruction:

• The northbound entrance ramp near 17th Street and the northbound exit ramp for 5th/4th Streets - Downtown - University Parks Drive (Exit 334B) will be reconstructed to connect with the new lanes and are expected to be closed until Friday afternoon, March 19.

• Northbound drivers will need to exit at 17th/18th Streets (Exit 334) to access 8th Street beginning Thursday morning, March 18. (See diagram.)
• Additionally, the northbound exit for MLK Boulevard (Exit 335C) will close for up to one year so crews can work in the area.

To access Downtown Waco after the shift is complete, northbound drivers can exit at 5th/4th Streets - Downtown - University Parks Drive (Exit 334B).

Northbound reconstruction impact on campus

TxDOT will begin reconstructing the northbound lanes by removing the overpasses at MLK Boulevard, the Brazos River, University Parks Drive and 5th/4th Streets, which will affect east and westbound travel during these activities. More information will be shared as work is scheduled.

TxDOT plans to shift remaining mainlane traffic from BUS 77 to N Loop 340 later this spring.

Helpful information sources

Schedules are dependent on weather, field conditions and work progress. Follow TxDOT on Twitter @TxDOTWaco for the most current updates on construction activities and lane closures.

Plan ahead and visit www.waco4bmap.org for real-time traffic information on I-35 through Waco.