On Tuesday, the Waco City Council embarked on their work session, kicking off with a comprehensive presentation from the Texas Department of Transportation. This presentation shed light on three significant upcoming projects in Waco, each with its own set of details and timelines.

Unveiling Waco's Transportation Transformation

I-35 Waco South Project

The Texas Department of Transportation, TXDOT, is all set to commence work next year. Their plan involves adding an extra lane in both North and Southbound directions, stretching between South Loop 340 and 12th street. Once completed, this 3-mile section of the interstate will boast a total of eight lanes along with enhanced updates to the frontage roads. A notable aspect is the removal of the flyover connecting Valley Mills and northbound I-35. Waco area engineer Clayton Zacha informed the council that the project has been awarded to James Construction for $234 million. There are incentives for early completion and penalties for delays. Construction is scheduled to begin in February with the northbound lanes, and it is projected to be finished in 2029. Public engagement plays a crucial role in this project, and you can sign up for email updates at their website www.txdot.gov/my35wacosouth. There will also be a [communications] steering committee similar to 4B, and an open house prior to breaking ground. This expansion is a continuation of the My35 project, with the previous phase including widening the interstate between 12th street and North Loop 340, which was completed in 2023.

Twin Bridges Project

Although still in the planning stages, TXDOT is eager to replace and expand the Highway Six bridges over Lake Waco, popularly known as Twin Bridges. The bidding process will kick off in January, and construction is planned to start in the spring or summer. Zacha mentioned that they plan to use construction methods that minimize road closures for as long as possible. By using drill shafts and columns underneath and between the existing bridges, there will be no significant traffic impact during the initial stages of work. This will allow them to build as much as possible without causing disruptions. When construction does begin, traffic will be condensed to one lane in each direction until the first bridge is completed. The final construction is estimated to cost $71 million and will result in connected bridges. Waco District Engineer Stanley Swiatek humorously pointed out that this could pose a problem for the name as it will look like one bridge when finished. The project is expected to last three years.

Franklin Avenue Project

Zacha presented a detailed plan for construction on Franklin Avenue between Waco Drive and Valley Mills. The project aims to consolidate lanes and improve intersections on Franklin Avenue to enhance safety. More updates on this project will be provided closer to the construction phase. TXDOT currently plans to open bidding for this project in 2026, and construction is expected to last two years, with an estimated cost of $45 million. As the presentation concluded, the council inquired about the potential overlap of the three projects. Zacha responded that it is possible and they will communicate the impacts as best they can at that time. These three projects are estimated to cost around $350 million, not including early completion incentives. For more information about ongoing Texas Department of Transportation projects, visit www.txdot.gov/projects.