TxDOT Updates

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TxDOT to Remove Northbound I-35 Bridges Over 17th/18th Streets

Crews to begin work Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16th, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to remove the northbound I-35 bridges over 17th and 18th Street in Waco. This is part of the four-year My35 Waco South Construction Project to widen and fully reconstruct a three-mile stretch of I-35 from S. Loop 340 to 11th/12th Streets near the main Baylor campus.

All I-35 mainlanes and frontage roads will remain open in both directions and traffic signals will stay green to allow traffic to flow efficiently throughout this process.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday-Friday, Sept. 16-19:

  • To safely and efficiently complete the removal of both bridges, crews will begin work at 18th Street before moving north to 17th Street.
  • Crews plan to close all eastbound lanes on 18th Street, and the southbound turnaround, under I-35 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.
  • All eastbound lanes and the turnaround are expected to be reopened by 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

 18th Street Detour (Sept. 16 – Sept. 19):

  • Motorists traveling southbound on the I-35 frontage road should continue past 18th Street on the frontage road to Valley Mills Drive and use the turnaround at Valley Mills Drive.
  • Then, take the northbound I-35 frontage road and turn right onto eastbound 18th Street.

Here’s what you need to know about Sunday-Wednesday, Sept. 21-24:

  • Following the completion of work at 18th Street, crews will begin the removal of the 17th Street bridge.
  • Crews plan to close all westbound lanes on 17th Street, and the northbound turnaround, under I-35 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. All westbound lanes and the turnaround are expected to be reopened by 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
  • All I-35 mainlanes and frontage roads will remain open in both directions and traffic signals will stay green to allow traffic to flow efficiently throughout this process. See detour information and the diagram below for more information.

 17th Street Detour (Sept. 21 – Sept. 24):

  • Motorists traveling northbound on the I-35 frontage road should continue past 17th Street to 12th Street and use the turnaround at 12th Street.
  • Then, take the southbound I-35 frontage road and turn right onto westbound 17th Street.

Additional bridge removals within the My35 Waco South project limits (S. Loop 340 to 12th Street) are anticipated later this year as work progresses.

Reminder, speed limits are reduced to 55 mph in the work zones. TxDOT encourages motorists to slow down, eliminate all distractions, and always pay attention.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

Learn more and stay up to date by visiting My35WacoSouth.com, where you also can sign up for My35 email alerts. Follow TxDOT Waco District on Facebook and X (Twitter) @TxDOTWaco for the most current updates on construction activities and lane closures. 

About the My35 Waco South Project

The My35 Waco South project will upgrade approximately three miles of I-35 mainlanes and frontage roads from South Loop 340 to 12th Street near the Baylor campus. Utility and drainage upgrades will be made along the corridor, and other improvements include:

  • Reconstructing and widening mainlanes from six lanes to eight lanes (four lanes in each direction).
  • Reconstructing overpasses and frontage roads, extending frontage roads where discontinuous, re-aligning ramps and adding sidewalks.
  • Updating access roads and access points from local streets, on-and-off ramp configuration and placement, build new bridges and improve traffic control.
  • Construct an innovative Diverging Diamond Intersection at I-35 and Valley Mills Drive.
  • Realign ramps and add sidewalks.