TxDOT prepares to begin fully reconstructing northbound I-35 in Waco

WACO, Texas (June 16, 2025) – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to widen and fully reconstruct northbound I-35 in Waco from S Loop 340 to 12th Street as part of the My35 Waco South Construction Project.

Waco I-35 Traffic Shift: What You Need to Know

Beginning Monday, June 23, 2025, crews plan to begin reducing both directions of I-35 in Waco from 12th Street to S Loop 340 to two lanes, starting with the southbound mainlanes. Various lane closures will be in place each night for this work. Please follow all directional signage and watch for crews in the work zones.

Which I-35 Exits and Direct Connects Will Be Closed?

Once traffic is shifted, crews will close several northbound exits and direct connects. TxDOT and the contractor expect this configuration to be in place for approximately two years. Below are the exits and direct connects that will be closing during the construction project:

CLOSED – Loop 340 direct connect to northbound I-35

• Drivers will be directed to exit at I-35 South just east of Bagby Avenue and use the cloverleaf to access northbound I-35

CLOSED – Northbound I-35 exits to New Road (Exit 331) and to Valley Mills Drive/La Salle Avenue (Exit 333A)

• Drivers will be directed to exit at S Loop 340/Marlin (Exit 330A)

CLOSED – Northbound I-35 exit for 17th/18th Streets (Exit 334A)

• Drivers will be directed to exit at 24th – 19th Streets (Exit 333B)

CLOSED – Eastbound S. Valley Mills Drive direct connect to northbound I-35

TxDOT encourages motorists to mind their speed, eliminate all distractions, and pay attention in work zones. All schedules are dependent on weather and other factors.

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.